In 2016 and 2020, foreign influence on the U.S. presidential election was a concern. Russian efforts were detected in 2016 in particular and Iranian activities were identified in 2020. Both of these nations, along with China, are being closely watched by the Department of Homeland Security, which asserts that bad actors are more active than they ever have been this election cycle, and yet, that cybersecurity for the election process has never been stronger.
These assurances come from Jen Easterly, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency within DHS, as well as a multiple-time Wash100 Award winner.
“There are cyber threats, there are physical threats to election officials, but we’re at a point now with our election infrastructure secure and the election community prepared to meet the moment on the 5th of November,” Easterly said.
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What Are the U.S. Election Cyber Threats?
In interviews, Easterly has been clear to draw a distinction between influence and interference. While there is evidence of the aforementioned rival nations attempting to influence American citizens’ votes through “synthetic media” and “fake social media personas,” the CISA head says there is no record of direct interference with election mechanisms or outcomes.
“It’s really important for Americans to understand that because of all of the work that’s been done over the last eight years with the election community, bringing together the federal government, the state and local election officials who run elections and the election vendor community,” she imparted.
Easterly said that a misinformation campaign about the amount of external meddling that has taken place is exactly what these bad actors want.
Adversaries’ Goals & Tactics
Easterly noted that an increased usage of artificial intelligence-based tactics are being deployed by the trio of aforementioned entities.
She told NBC News recently that the overriding goals of nations attempting to influence U.S. election results are twofold:
- To “undermine Americans’ confidence and trust” in voting and the democratic process
- To “stoke partisan discord”—i.e., to further divide a citizenship already extremely at odds with itself.
For more discussions on how the government is using technology to combat the ill will of American competitors, attend the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 13. It is an annual central gathering place for all GovCons working in the national defense space. Join your colleagues and all of the top GovCon companies!
