Cybersecurity and Influence Operations Threaten Integrity of U.S. Elections, Warns FBI, CISA, and ODNI
Overview
As the United States nears another election cycle, the nation faces an increased risk of influence operations targeting the democratic process. In a joint statement, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) highlighted growing concerns about foreign interference—particularly from Russia and Iran—in efforts to undermine public trust in the integrity of the U.S. election system.
According to the intelligence community (IC), foreign adversaries, especially Russia, are intensifying their influence campaigns to sow distrust and division among American voters. These activities are expected to escalate as election day draws closer, with Russia’s influence actors primarily focusing on critical swing states, where their efforts could have the most significant impact.
The IC’s assessment reveals that Russian influence actors are engaging in the creation and dissemination of fake media content designed to manipulate public opinion. “Since our statement on Friday, we have observed additional influence operations that seek to stoke divisions and question the legitimacy of the election process,” stated the joint statement. The fabricated videos and articles are part of a broader strategy aimed at generating fear and confusion, particularly around voting procedures.
One recent example includes a video circulating online that falsely portrays an interview with an individual alleging election fraud in Arizona, involving bogus overseas ballots and tampering with voter rolls to favor Vice President Kamala Harris. The Arizona Secretary of State has already debunked this claim as entirely false.
In addition to spreading misinformation, CISA says that the Russian operatives are amplifying the false narrative that U.S. officials across several swing states are orchestrating widespread election fraud, such as ballot stuffing and cyberattacks. These fabricated stories have the potential to incite violence, particularly against election officials. As these false claims continue to spread, Russian influence actors are expected to release more of such content throughout election day and in the aftermath of the vote, exacerbating tensions across the nation.
Iran’s Role in Election Cybersecurity Threats
Iran, while less active than Russia, continues to pose a significant cybersecurity threat to the upcoming elections. As highlighted in previous reports, Iran has been involved in cyber activities targeting U.S. political figures, including former President Donald Trump’s campaign.
The U.S. intelligence community also notes that Iran’s influence operations are likely to include the creation of fake media content designed to suppress voter turnout or incite political violence. Additionally, Iran has maintained a desire for retribution against specific U.S. officials tied to the death of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020, and this could influence its approach to future election-related activities.
Iranian operatives, like their Russian counterparts, have long sought to manipulate public perception through false narratives, amplifying divisiveness and spreading misinformation. While the Iranian government’s influence operations may not be as widespread or sophisticated as Russia’s, they remain a persistent threat to election integrity.
FBI and CISA’s Call to Action for Election Security
Considering these growing threats, both the FBI and CISA are urging election stakeholders to remain vigilant and proactive in securing election infrastructure and preventing the spread of disinformation. “Voters should seek out information from trusted, official sources, particularly from state and local election officials,” the agencies recommended.
CISA further emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious or criminal activity related to election security. Election infrastructure stakeholders, as well as the public, can report cyber incidents or suspicious activity to CISA via its dedicated reporting channels, such as calling 1-844-Say-CISA or emailing [email protected].
The FBI and CISA also continue to encourage campaigns, election officials, and other stakeholders to remain in close contact with local Election Crime Coordinators to report potential security threats. These collaborative efforts are essential to counter the growing wave of influence operations and to ensure that the U.S. election process remains free from foreign manipulation.
CISA and EAC’s Support for State and Local Election Officials
In a related statement, CISA, along with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), reiterated its support for state and local election officials as they prepare for the election. These officials, often working behind the scenes, play a critical role in ensuring that the election process runs smoothly and securely. “We are proud to support the hard work and dedication of election officials across the country,” CISA Director Jen Easterly said. “They are the heroes of our democracy, and we stand with them as they continue their tireless efforts to safeguard the integrity of our elections.”
The EAC also issued a joint statement, acknowledging the extensive preparation that has gone into ensuring the security of the 2024 election. “Planning for tomorrow’s election began four years ago,” said the EAC, emphasizing the comprehensive efforts made at both the state and local levels to address potential challenges. While operational issues may arise—such as delays at polling locations or power outages—election officials are prepared to handle such contingencies and ensure that every eligible vote is counted accurately.
The statement also addressed the importance of understanding that election night results are unofficial, as media outlets call the races based on preliminary results. “Accurately counting millions of ballots takes time, and we ask Americans to be patient during this process,” the EAC urged. It further emphasized that recounts and audits are standard procedures to ensure election accuracy, which will be conducted in accordance with state and territorial laws.
Fighting Disinformation: A Collective Effort
The growing sophistication of influence operations—especially those linked to Russia—has prompted the U.S. government to take proactive steps in combating foreign disinformation campaigns. The FBI, CISA, and other agencies are working around the clock to track and disrupt foreign interference in U.S. elections. In addition to technical defenses, these agencies are actively engaged in educating the public about the dangers of inauthentic content and misinformation.
The impact of influence operations, particularly in swing states, cannot be overstated. As foreign actors continue to amplify divisive rhetoric and fabricate stories about election fraud, it is essential that Americans rely on trusted sources for accurate information. State and local election officials, supported by CISA and the EAC, will continue to be the primary resources for election integrity.
Voters are encouraged to stay informed by consulting official channels, and to report any suspicious activity or potential cyber threats they encounter. “We are all in this together,” said Easterly. “It is up to every American to help protect the democracy that we all value.”
Conclusion
The U.S. elections are expected to be a critical test of the nation’s resilience against foreign influence operations and cyber threats. With Russia and Iran poised to continue their interference campaigns, it is important that the American public, election officials, and cybersecurity agencies work together to protect the electoral process. As foreign influence actors ramp up their activities, vigilance, awareness, and collaboration will be key to ensuring that the 2024 elections remain secure and free from foreign manipulation.
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