The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has ramped up its efforts ahead of the anticipated active US general election 2024 season by collaborating with election officials nationwide. In Idaho, a recent initiative led by the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office underscores the significance of election security.
The Idaho Secretary of State’s Office, in partnership with CISA’s Region 10 team, conducted a comprehensive initiative to bolster election security readiness in the state. This initiative involved a two-part election security webinar training series aimed at equipping county election officials with the necessary tools and knowledge for the upcoming elections.
The training series, which engaged election officials from all 44 counties in Idaho, included a workshop and a tabletop exercise (TTX) training session. These sessions were not only intended to impart technical knowledge but also foster a collaborative environment by bringing together participants from various state agencies.
Lori Augino, Region 10 Election Security Advisor, emphasized the importance of partnerships in ensuring the security and integrity of the electoral process. The collaborative nature of the training sessions highlighted the vital role of teamwork in maintaining election security.
Responding to the need for enhanced internal training, CISA security advisors conducted additional tabletop exercise sessions at the request of Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane. These sessions targeted all internal Idaho Secretary of State staff and election officials, underscoring the state’s commitment to election security.
The training sessions covered various election security topics, including CISA’s approach to election security, risks associated with phishing, and strategies for mitigating physical security risks. The sessions also introduced techniques for identifying and responding to potential cyber and physical security threats.
Josh Stemp, Idaho Cybersecurity State Coordinator for CISA, underscored the importance of preparedness and awareness in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. The training sessions aimed to raise awareness of potential threats that could impact elections.
The heightened focus on election security in Idaho comes at a time when concerns about cybersecurity in the electoral process are heightened. Recent claims from former president and current Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump about campaign hacking, along with reports of an Iranian hacker group targeting high-ranking officials, have drawn attention to the risks in the electoral process.
CISA continues to prioritize efforts to protect election infrastructure across the nation. Since the designation of election infrastructure as critical infrastructure in January 2017, CISA has been dedicated to safeguarding the infrastructure that supports fair and free elections.
Looking ahead to the 2024 US general election, the collaborative efforts in Idaho exemplify proactive measures to address election security challenges. By fostering partnerships, training, and preparedness, Idaho sets a strong example of safeguarding the electoral process in an evolving threat environment.
As states prepare for the upcoming election, the lessons learned and partnerships formed through initiatives like this will be instrumental in ensuring a secure and resilient 2024 US election. The importance of protecting the electoral process cannot be overstated, as it forms the foundation of American democracy.