FBI and CISA Reassure Public on Election Day Cybersecurity Amid Ransomware Concerns

In a joint effort to address the growing concerns surrounding election-day cybersecurity, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have issued a new public service announcement. 

Their message, titled “Just So You Know: Ransomware Disruptions During Voting Periods Will Not Impact the Security and Resilience of Vote Casting or Counting,” aims to reassure Americans about the integrity of the 2024 elections despite the increasing threat of ransomware attacks.

Understanding the Impact of Ransomware on Election-day Cybersecurity

The FBI and CISA acknowledge that such attacks could potentially disrupt state or local government networks, including election infrastructure. However, their latest announcement emphasizes that these disruptions are unlikely to compromise the overall security and accuracy of the voting process.

Source: CISA

According to the agencies, any ransomware attack on election-day cybersecurity observed so far has been localized and effectively managed. These attacks have caused minimal disruption to election operations without affecting the integrity of vote-casting or counting processes. This reassurance is crucial as it comes amidst fears that cyber threats could undermine public confidence in the electoral system.

Election officials are well-prepared to handle potential ransomware disruptions. They employ a multi-layered security approach that incorporates various technological, physical, and procedural controls. This robust framework is designed to prevent cyber intrusions, including ransomware, from impacting the vote-casting and counting processes.

Cait Conley, a Senior Advisor at CISA, stressed the importance of these election-day cybersecurity measures. “While ransomware continues to be a significant cybersecurity concern, it is important to note that security measures put in place by election officials and election vendors ensure these incidents will not impact the security of the vote casting or tabulation systems and processes,” Conley stated. She assured the public that efforts will continue to maintain confidence in the electoral process throughout the 2024 election cycle.

The FBI’s Commitment to Election-day Cybersecurity

The FBI is equally committed to addressing the threat of ransomware and other cyber threats targeting election-day cybersecurity. Cynthia Kaiser, Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, highlighted the bureau’s proactive stance. “Combatting ransomware attacks is a top priority for the FBI, especially during elections,” Kaiser said. 

“While the FBI will continue to leverage its tools and partnerships to combat cyber criminals, the public should be aware that ransomware is extremely unlikely to affect the integrity of voting systems or the electoral process.”

The announcement also addresses the potential for misinformation and foreign interference. In previous election-day cybersecurity incidents, malicious actors have attempted to spread false or exaggerated claims about cyber incidents to manipulate public opinion and undermine confidence in democratic institutions. The FBI and CISA warn that similar tactics might be employed in the upcoming election cycle.

It is crucial for voters to rely on official sources for accurate information about election procedures. Election officials and trusted government websites should be the primary sources for details on voting processes, polling locations, and results. Voters are advised to be cautious of unofficial sources, particularly those disseminating alarming or misleading information about election-day cybersecurity processes.

Recommendations for Voters

To protect the electoral process, the FBI and CISA offer key recommendations. Voters should stay informed by gathering accurate information on registration, polling locations, and voting options from official sources before election day. 

It’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of information by relying on state and local government websites and to be cautious of unofficial sites and suspicious communications. Vigilance against election-related schemes and misinformation is essential, and any concerning claims about cyber incidents should be verified with trusted election officials.

The FBI and CISA urge the public to report suspicious activities, including ransomware attacks, to local FBI field offices or CISA. Additional resources, such as Stop Ransomware, CISA #Protect2024, and Protected Voices, are available to help individuals understand and address cybersecurity threats.

Despite the challenges posed by ransomware, the FBI and CISA assure that these threats will not undermine the security or integrity of the 2024 election-day cybersecurity. With strong security measures and ongoing monitoring, voters can trust in the resilience and accuracy of the electoral process.

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