A recent joint public service announcement from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has assured American citizens that ransomware disruptions during voting periods will not compromise the security of vote casting or counting.
In past elections, malicious actors have attempted to sway public opinion and undermine the electoral process by spreading false information. While successful ransomware attacks on elections have occurred, they have typically been localized and managed with minimal impact on operations and the accuracy of ballot processing.
The CISA and FBI emphasize that election officials employ a multi-layered approach that includes technological, physical, and procedural controls to safeguard electoral systems from cyber disruptions. However, they acknowledge that cyber intrusions could potentially lead to localized delays in some cases.
FBI Cyber Division Deputy Assistant Director Cynthia Kaiser stated, “Combatting ransomware attacks is a top priority for the FBI, especially during elections. While the FBI is committed to utilizing its resources and partnerships to combat cybercriminals, it is crucial for the public to understand that the integrity of voting systems and the electoral process is highly unlikely to be compromised by ransomware.”
For additional information on how to recognize and mitigate the impacts of a ransomware attack on election infrastructure, individuals can visit CISA’s website for comprehensive resources.
Overall, the collaboration between CISA and the FBI aims to alleviate concerns regarding the impact of ransomware disruptions on the electoral process. By highlighting the robust security measures in place and the minimal historical impact of such attacks on voting operations, the agencies seek to reassure the public of the integrity and resilience of the electoral system.