With the 2024 U.S. elections approaching, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has outlined significant threats to election security. While officials assert that the election system is more secure than ever, they also warn of complex challenges posed by foreign adversaries and domestic threats.
Key Takeaways
CISA emphasizes that U.S. election infrastructure is secure, with voting machines disconnected from the internet.
Foreign adversaries, including Russia, China, and Iran, are actively engaging in disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks.
Election officials are facing increased threats, including harassment and intimidation, particularly in the wake of unfounded claims about the 2020 election.
Overview of CISA's Role
Established in 2018, CISA operates under the Department of Homeland Security, focusing on protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure, including elections. CISA Director Jen Easterly stated, "Whoever you vote for, you can have confidence that your vote will be counted as cast."
Current Threat Landscape
CISA has identified two primary threats to the upcoming elections:
Cyberattacks: These include ransomware and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks aimed at election websites.
Disinformation Campaigns: Foreign actors are spreading false narratives to undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Easterly noted that adversaries are using sophisticated tactics, including generative AI, to create fake news and misleading content. For instance, recent reports indicated that Russian disinformation efforts included fake videos and images designed to sow doubt about election integrity.
Domestic Challenges
In addition to foreign threats, domestic issues are also a concern. Election officials have reported a rise in harassment and intimidation, including swatting incidents and threats of violence against election workers. CISA is collaborating with local and federal law enforcement to enhance safety training for election officials.
Safeguards in Place
Despite these threats, CISA assures the public that numerous safeguards are in place to protect the integrity of the elections:
Disconnected Voting Machines: Most voting machines are not connected to the internet, making them less vulnerable to hacking.
Paper Ballots: Approximately 97% of voters will have a paper record to verify their votes.
Pre-Election Testing and Post-Election Audits: These measures ensure the accuracy of the voting process.
Looking Ahead
As Election Day approaches, officials anticipate potential disruptions but remain confident in the system's resilience. Easterly acknowledged that while there may be hiccups, such as polling place delays or minor technical issues, these will not prevent Americans from casting their votes.
CISA and state election offices are actively working to inform the public about election security and the measures in place to ensure a fair process. As the nation gears up for the elections, the emphasis remains on safeguarding democracy against both foreign and domestic threats.
With cyber threats becoming more complex, safeguarding your business is more critical than ever. At BetterWorld Technology, we're constantly evolving to stay ahead of these risks, providing the expertise your company needs. Don’t wait until it's too late—book a consultation with BetterWorld Technology today and let us help you fortify your cybersecurity defenses.
Sources
Federal cybersecurity agency ready for threats to 2024 election | kgw.com, KGW.
U.S. cybersecurity officials warn of foreign efforts to sow doubt and chaos around election | PBS News, PBS.
Federal cybersecurity agency details threats to 2024 election, KCRG.