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BEK Earns Top Cybersecurity Honor for 3rd Year

National Recognition for Protecting Rural Communities

February 2026

BEK is proud to announce that it has been recognized with the 2025 NTCA Cyber Champion Award for the third consecutive year in a row. NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association created this award to spotlight rural broadband members that take cybersecurity seriously and work to protect their networks, infrastructure, and sensitive customer information.


Being named an NTCA Cyber Champion means that BEK is not only defending against emerging digital threats, it’s collaborating with others in the industry to strengthen cybersecurity across the country.


It’s not easy to become an NTCA Cyber Champion. Applicants must meet strict requirements, including having solid cybersecurity plans and policies in place and ensuring that every employee completes cybersecurity training each year. NTCA notes that cyberthreats are constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated, which makes ongoing improvement and vigilance essential. That’s exactly why BEK invests heavily in cybersecurity tools, procedures, and education, because protecting our member-owners, customers, and communities matters.


“Cybersecurity is not optional,” says Derrick Bulawa, BEK Chief Executive Officer. “Rural communities deserve the same level of security as any major city. BEK is proud to lead the way, both for our members in North Dakota and for rural America as a whole. This award reflects the daily dedication of our team.”


This three-peat award is a direct reflection of BEK’s mission to bring world-class technology to rural North Dakota while keeping families, farms, schools, and businesses safe in an increasingly digital world. It’s one more reason our members can trust BEK for reliable connectivity and local support.

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