State and Local Election Systems Targeted by Threats Causing U.S. Cybersecurity Agency to Proactively Enhance Election Security
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has taken proactive measures to enhance the security of state and local election systems amidst growing threats. The agency's initiative, launched recently, aims to bolster election security across states, providing support to local offices and instilling confidence in voters regarding the safety and accuracy of upcoming elections.
Officials from CISA introduced this program to the National Association of State Election Directors and National Association of Secretaries of State, signaling a concerted effort to address the evolving security challenges faced by state and local election officials. These challenges include potential cyberattacks from foreign governments, criminal ransomware incidents targeting computer systems, and the proliferation of election misinformation leading to harassment of election officials and undermining public trust.
Recent incidents such as AI-generated robocalls in New Hampshire and a cyberattack on Fulton County, Georgia's local government, underscore the urgency of enhancing election security measures. Concerns about hostile foreign governments targeting election systems have been particularly pronounced, with CISA highlighting the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by adversaries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
The formation of CISA in the aftermath of the 2016 election interference by Russia marked a pivotal moment, with election systems designated as critical infrastructure deserving of additional federal support. The current program includes the recruitment of 10 new staff members with extensive election experience, strategically stationed across the country to provide support and conduct security reviews for election offices.
Jen Easterly, CISA's director, emphasized the program's focus on elections, acknowledging the intricate variations in voting processes across jurisdictions. Cait Conley, CISA's Senior Advisor for Election Security, stressed the importance of understanding each state's unique election environment to effectively mitigate security risks and ensure infrastructure resilience.
The newly appointed advisers bring valuable expertise from their previous roles in state election administration, offering vital support to counties and states navigating cybersecurity challenges. The collaboration between CISA and state election officials is crucial in fortifying cybersecurity infrastructure against malicious interference.
Acknowledging the threats faced by election officials, including personal safety concerns stemming from threats and harassment, CISA's initiative aims to provide a network of support and expertise. The positive reception from state election officials underscores the significance of CISA's proactive approach in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
