Entergy brought together federal cybersecurity partners, industry experts and local business leaders for a roundtable discussion during Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October. The discussion focused on how collaboration and information sharing can help individuals and organizations recognize, prevent and respond to social engineering attacks. 

The roundtable reflected Entergy’s commitment to collaboration and stakeholder engagement as key components of its security strategy. Recognizing that cyber threats extend beyond organizational boundaries, participants exchanged perspectives and shared practical insights on a threat that affects organizations of every size and industry. 

Kevin Weber, director of security policy and compliance, moderated the discussion. Participants included Nathan Landry, senior intelligence support coordinator at Entergy; Rene Miller, CEO of Ener Systems and an InfraGard Louisiana chapter member; Beverly Henshaw, Louisiana cybersecurity advisor for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; and Matt Duncan, vice president of security operations and intelligence at E-ISAC. 

“Effective security doesn’t happen in isolation. It requires intentional engagement with stakeholders across government, industry and our communities to share knowledge, understand emerging threats and strengthen our collective defenses,” said Kevin Weber, director, security policy and compliance at Entergy. “By bringing these perspectives together and sharing what we learn with our employees, we’re helping turn awareness into action and reinforcing the important role every employee plays in protecting our company and the customers we serve.” 

Recognizing and responding to social engineering  

Social engineering attacks frequently rely on creating a sense of urgency, authority or familiarity. Attackers may impersonate trusted colleagues, company leaders or external partners to persuade individuals to share information, bypass established procedures or provide unauthorized access. 

As these tactics become more convincing, particularly through the use of AI-generated communications and voice impersonation, awareness remains an essential line of defense. 

A few simple practices can help reduce the risk: 

• Pause and verify. Confirm unexpected requests for sensitive information, access or financial transactions through separate, trusted communication channels. 

• Recognize pressure tactics. Be cautious of messages that demand immediate action or discourage following established procedures. 

• Question unfamiliar communications. Even messages or calls appearing to originate from trusted individuals may be fraudulent. 

• Report suspicious activity. Prompt reporting through established security channels enables potential threats to be investigated and addressed. 

• Stay informed. Continuing education and awareness help increase recognition of evolving tactics and make informed security decisions. 

Building a culture of shared responsibility 

Cybersecurity is not solely the responsibility of security professionals. Everyone plays an important role in recognizing suspicious activity, following established procedures and helping protect their organization. 

Entergy is committed to advancing cybersecurity year-round through collaboration, continuous learning and shared responsibility. 

Together, through strong stakeholder partnerships and an engaged workforce, we help protect the systems, services and communities that depend on us.