Integrity in the Election Process
As the November elections draw closer, concerns about foreign adversaries trying to meddle in U.S. elections are ramping up again. Over the past few years, foreign entities have become more sophisticated in their attempts to create chaos, spread false information, and influence how people vote. While government agencies are hard at work protecting election systems, it's just as important for voters and local election officials to stay alert and aware of these threats.
How Foreign Adversaries Disrupt Elections
Foreign interference in U.S. elections takes several forms, including cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns. Some of the most common tactics include:
Misinformation and Disinformation: Foreign actors use social media to spread fake or misleading information, often through bot accounts or fake profiles. Their aim is to divide voters, create confusion, and erode public trust in the election process.
Disrupting Election Infrastructure: Ransomware and DDoS attacks can be used to knock key systems offline, such as voter registration databases or election websites, causing delays and undermining the election process.
Examples of Foreign Interference
Foreign interference isn’t a new threat. In 2016, foreign operatives launched extensive social media campaigns aimed at polarizing U.S. voters. In the 2020 elections, intelligence agencies flagged interference attempts by multiple foreign countries, targeting both election infrastructure and the flow of misinformation. These campaigns sought to influence voter perceptions and disrupt the democratic process.
How Cybersecurity Defends Against Election Interference
Cybersecurity plays a crucial role in defending against election interference by implementing several protective measures. Federal, state, and local governments collaborate to safeguard voting systems from cyber threats through regular audits and vulnerability checks, ensuring the security of machines, voter databases, and reporting systems.
Cybersecurity professionals maintain active monitoring, constantly scanning for foreign cyberattacks, misinformation campaigns, and suspicious activities. When potential threats are identified, response teams act swiftly to mitigate disruptions. Additionally, public awareness campaigns educate voters on the tactics used by foreign adversaries, helping create an informed electorate capable of recognizing and avoiding the spread of misinformation.
What Voters Can Do to Stay Safe
Voters play a big role in safeguarding elections from foreign interference. Here are a few things you can do:
Verify Information: Always double-check sensational election-related stories on social media. Use trusted sources like your local election board or reliable news outlets before sharing or believing the content.
Watch for Misinformation: Foreign actors often craft content that’s designed to provoke a strong emotional response. If something seems too inflammatory or divisive, take a step back and fact-check it before accepting it.
Secure Your Devices: Make sure your devices are protected with strong passwords, updated software, and antivirus tools. Cyber attackers often use phishing emails or social media messages to spread malware.
Report Suspicious Content: If you come across what looks like foreign misinformation, report it to the platform. Social media companies now have processes to deal with these threats.
How Election Officials Can Strengthen Security
Local governments and election officials, especially in smaller areas, can be more vulnerable to cyberattacks due to limited resources. But there are steps they can take to reduce the risks:
Work with Cybersecurity Experts: Local election offices should tap into free resources like the Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC), which offers cybersecurity assessments, training, and incident response support.
Run Regular Security Audits: Routine security checks on voting systems and databases can help identify weak points before bad actors can exploit them.
Prepare for Incidents: Have a response plan ready in case of a cyberattack. ACDC provides an incident response hotline (501-239-9599) to assist with initial recommendations and referrals if something goes wrong.
By staying vigilant and working together, we can help protect the integrity of our elections from foreign interference.
Contact the Arkansas Cyber Defense Center
For further assistance and support in combating cybersecurity threats, we encourage organizations to consult the Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC). Sign up for free services here and visit our website at forge.institute/acdc. Our team offers assessments, incident response support, training, and awareness to empower organizations in their fight against cybercriminal activities.
