ICYMI: CISA Director spoke to @alivitali and @MeetThePress about election security. Watch now. https://t.co/5CAXb7k8oL #Protect2024 pic.twitter.com/LnorYArYcE
— Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (@CISAgov) October 28, 2024
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has launched a new webpage to keep citizens and officials informed about threats to the upcoming November 5 election. The webpage aims to counter threats like denial-of-service attacks, ransomware, and disinformation campaigns, including false claims about hacked voter information. The webpage features real-time election threat updates from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the FBI.
New one-stop webpage is part of the larger #Protect2024 site launched in January. The page aims to make it easier to find specific threat related products that the American public can use to stay informed, and the election community can use to prepare. https://t.co/ZjjPDmzsqH pic.twitter.com/Z4RxmI2HcW
— Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (@CISAgov) October 28, 2024
It also includes a public service announcement series called “Just So You Know,” which highlights the types of cyberattacks targeting election infrastructure that CISA is monitoring. The webpage is part of CISA’s larger website, launched in January, and provides cybersecurity resources, training lists, and services to support over 8,000 election jurisdictions for the 2024 election cycle. It also features joint statements from various security agencies on recent cybersecurity incidents related to election administration.
The DHS quietly warned this month that cybercriminals—particularly ransomware actors—are more likely than state-sponsored hackers to actually disrupt election infrastructure. A pretty disturbing benchmark from @lilyhnewman and @dell.bsky.social https://t.co/0RepCHaa0f
— Andy Greenberg (@agreenberg at the other places) (@a_greenberg) October 28, 2024
CISA released a statement saying, “The IC assesses that Russian actors manufactured and amplified a recent video that falsely depicted an individual ripping up ballots in Pennsylvania, based on the information available to the IC and prior activities of other Russian influence actors, including videos and other disinformation activities. Local election officials have already debunked the video’s content.”
🇺🇸From 1989 (https://t.co/nqFZzADjjX) to 2024 (https://t.co/bMu5b30AFY), my thanks to @NewsHour for welcoming me back yesterday to talk about why Americans should have confidence in the security of our elections. #Protect2024 pic.twitter.com/3HX2AXjb2Q
— Jen Easterly🛡️ (@CISAJen) October 29, 2024
CISA, ODNI, and the FBI expect Russia to continue creating and releasing more deepfakes aimed at eroding public trust in the upcoming election and dividing Americans. U.S. cybersecurity officials are warning about efforts by foreign adversaries to undermine the integrity of the voting process.
The threats come from Russia, Iran, and China, each with unique tactics but shared goals of creating discord and eroding trust in the democratic process. Jen Easterly, the Director of CISA, spoke about the nature of these threats and the measures being taken to secure the vote.
Election threats and cybersecurity measures
Several disinformation efforts have been identified and countered by U.S. intelligence agencies, including a fake image by a Russian news agency depicting a flooded Disney World and a manipulated video showing ballots for former President Trump being destroyed in Pennsylvania. Chinese hackers identified as Salt Typhoon have targeted U.S. telecommunications networks in what has been described as a “broad compromise.” Iran has also engaged in hacking and leaking operations aimed at influencing perceptions. Despite these threats, Easterly expressed confidence in the security measures in place, noting significant advancements since the 2016 election.
“The election infrastructure has never been more secure,” she asserted. “While there’s a lot of activity from foreign adversaries, our systems are robust, and the American public should feel confident in the integrity of their vote.”
As the 2024 US elections approach, concerns about cybersecurity are intensifying. The real danger lies in misinformation campaigns, fake candidate profiles, and breaches of accounts belonging to politicians and parties.
These activities aim to sway public perception and erode trust in democratic institutions. To combat these threats, political parties, candidates, and election officials need to enhance their defenses and awareness. Efforts should focus on monitoring potential threats and having robust response plans in place.
Ram Elboim, CEO of Sygnia, a global cyber technology and services company, says, “It’s not just about protecting votes and individuals – it’s about securing the entire ecosystem and maintaining trust in the election process and democracy.”
A balanced approach is essential, protecting the voting process while ensuring it runs smoothly, addressing concerns without creating unnecessary fear, and staying ahead of advanced cyber threats. The global impact of the US elections only heightens the need for a secure and trustworthy electoral process.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
