GEBE

GEBE is a utility company headquartered in Sint Maarten that provides electricity and water services to the local community. It operates the electrical and water distribution networks that supply power and potable water to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the island. The organization maintains online customer portals where users can manage their accounts, view consumption data, and submit service requests. Payments can be made through various channels, including online banking, with alternative verification methods such as WhatsApp or live chat when digital systems are unavailable. GEBE also handles administrative functions like account terminations, relocations, new connections, and installment plans, which may be processed in person during system disruptions. The utility emphasizes continuous service delivery and strives to maintain reliability even when facing operational challenges.

In its cybersecurity posture, GEBE has demonstrated a structured response to incidents, notably forming a joint IT task force and engaging external specialists to assess and mitigate threats. Following a ransomware attack attributed to the BlackByte group in March 2022, the company confirmed that while core distribution networks remained operational, office closures and portal inaccessibility necessitated temporary procedural adjustments. After a separate suspicious activity alert in December 2022, GEBE undertook precautionary measures, including taking critical systems offline for review, and reported no ransomware, data breach, or network compromise after thorough analysis. The organization stresses ongoing monitoring, continuous efforts to restore systems affected by prior cyber incidents, and a commitment to security across its core operational pillars. Management has publicly apologized for any inconvenience caused by precautionary actions and reiterated its dedication to service reliability and infrastructure protection. GEBE communicates recovery updates and service status through phone and digital channels, urging customers to continue payments during restoration efforts. These actions reflect a focus on minimizing customer impact while reinforcing resilience against future cyber threats.