In a media briefing held on Monday afternoon, CISA Director Jen Easterly reassured the public that U.S. election systems are more secure than ever before. However, she also expressed concerns about the widespread dissemination of disinformation aimed at undermining voters’ confidence in the electoral process.
The briefing, attended by TechTarget Editorial, focused on election security ahead of the U.S. Election Day on Tuesday. Easterly, along with CISA Senior Advisor Cait Conley, discussed the cybersecurity agency’s efforts to support state and local election officials and their confidence in the security of the 2024 elections.
Easterly began by acknowledging the ongoing early voting and mail-in ballot processes for the 2024 election, with over 77 million Americans already having cast their votes. Despite the logistical complexities and the anticipation of more voters turning out on Election Day, Easterly expressed her confidence in the security of the election infrastructure and praised the preparedness of CISA.
She commended state and local election officials for their years of preparation and emphasized their role as the primary source of accurate election information. However, Easterly also noted the unprecedented amount of disinformation circulating during this election cycle, cautioning that foreign adversaries were actively spreading false information to sow discord and destabilize the democratic process.
Foreign interference in elections has been a recurring issue, with Iranian and Russian threat actors previously implicated in breaching campaign data and disseminating disinformation. As the 2024 election looms, concerns about foreign interference and the spread of fake news continue to be top priorities for CISA.
Looking back at past incidents, like the termination of former CISA Director Chris Krebs by then-President Trump, Easterly assured reporters that the agency was closely monitoring any potential threats to the election infrastructure. She highlighted minor disruptions, such as DDoS attacks and threats against election officials, but emphasized that these incidents had not significantly impacted the electoral process.
Threats against election officials have escalated since the 2020 election, prompting strong condemnation from CISA and a call for unity in support of the democratic process. Conley echoed these sentiments, praising the dedication of election workers and officials in upholding the integrity of the electoral system.
As Election Day approaches, CISA remains vigilant in safeguarding the election process and countering any attempts to undermine its legitimacy. The agency’s proactive approach and close coordination with state and local partners signal a strong commitment to ensuring a secure, fair, and transparent electoral process for all Americans.
In conclusion, the assurance of secure election systems combined with a robust response to disinformation and foreign interference underscores CISA’s dedication to upholding the democratic principles of the United States. As the nation prepares to cast its votes, the integrity of the electoral process remains a top priority for CISA and its partners.