By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
As Americans head to the polls, the significance of this election transcends party lines. From the battleground states, which hold the critical sway, to candidates with contrasting visions, every detail has set the stage for what observers have called the most consequential election in decades.
But behind the scenes, another intense struggle is unfolding—one led by U.S. agencies tasked with shielding the electoral process from foreign adversaries and cybercriminals.
In a post-2016 world, U.S. election security has become a national priority. Back then, foreign interference from Russia caught the nation off guard, altering the way the U.S. approaches cybersecurity, particularly in the context of elections.
Today, agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) have mounted a united front.
Their mission is clear: protect election infrastructure, counter disinformation, and ensure that the outcome of the democratic process remains untainted by external manipulation.
The Joint Effort to Secure the 2024 Election
Leading up to Election Day, the FBI, CISA, and ODNI issued a joint statement outlining the multi-pronged threats the election faces. Russian influence actors are back in full force, employing sophisticated disinformation tactics. Intelligence indicates they’ve manufactured and amplified videos and articles to undermine public confidence and stoke division.
This time, they’re not alone; Iranian operatives and other hostile actors have also entered the fray. Iran, for instance, has reportedly targeted former President Trump’s campaign, an operation aimed at amplifying tensions.
Photo: CISA Director Jen Easterly
CISA Director Jen Easterly remains cautiously optimistic.
In a pre-election briefing, she noted that while there have been small-scale incidents, such as minor distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and threats directed at election officials, these have had no material impact on election infrastructure. She emphasized the proactive steps taken to “harden” systems and assured the public of the election’s security, even amid disinformation campaigns.
“Disruptions happen in every election,” Easterly stated, emphasizing CISA’s commitment to safeguarding each component of the election process.
This year, CISA has activated a specialized operations office, dedicated solely to election security, which will monitor threats in real time through a collaborative network of local, state, and federal election offices. The agency has also ramped up contingency plans, equipping election officials with best practices to prevent cyber breaches and respond swiftly to any incidents.
Real-Time Election Monitoring: FBI’s Election Command Post
In Tennessee, the FBI has established an Election Command Post that operates around the clock, with more than 80 officials from various government agencies stationed to address any incidents related to election security.
Photo: James Barnacle, Deputy Assistant Director, FBI’s Criminal Division
James Barnacle, deputy assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Division, has underscored the agency’s heightened vigilance this election season. This command center will remain operational until November 9, working in tandem with local authorities to monitor potential threats, such as cyberattacks, voter suppression, election fraud, and intimidation.
The 24/7 command post illustrates the FBI’s proactive approach to addressing emerging threats, whether they arise from external adversaries or domestic actors. For an election this complex and contentious, the Command Post is a critical element, allowing agencies to coordinate responses instantaneously.
Disinformation: The Battle for Trust
Beyond direct attacks on election systems, one of the biggest threats to democracy today is disinformation.
Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), have been inundated with false narratives and misleading content.
According to CISA, foreign actors like Russia are intentionally crafting and promoting articles that allege ballot-stuffing, voter fraud, and other unfounded accusations of election tampering. The narratives primarily focus on swing states, where even small shifts in public sentiment could have an outsized impact on the election’s outcome.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has pointed out that Russian operators have even gone as far as creating fake interviews, complete with actors and altered visuals, to make fabricated stories appear more legitimate.
One particularly damaging video purportedly involved election fraud in Arizona, falsely claiming that overseas ballots were being altered to benefit Vice President Kamala Harris. The video was quickly debunked by Arizona’s Secretary of State, but not before it had already spread widely online, stirring distrust among voters.
Iranian actors, meanwhile, have also been implicated in spreading false content aimed at discouraging voter turnout and inciting political tensions. According to ODNI, Iran has a history of manipulating social media to influence election cycles and has used this expertise to cast doubt on election procedures and safety.
Russian Influence: Lessons from 2016
The shadow of 2016 looms large over this election. That year, Russian actors successfully manipulated social media and hacked the Democratic National Committee, prompting a seismic shift in how the U.S. perceives election security.
In response, CISA and the intelligence community have developed more robust defenses and communication channels, reducing vulnerabilities and enabling faster detection of malicious activities. However, Russian actors have only refined their techniques, employing increasingly sophisticated strategies to infiltrate social media and distribute misinformation.
The FBI and CISA have encouraged voters to rely on trusted sources, such as state and local election officials, for accurate election information. They’ve also set up multiple reporting avenues for voters and campaigns to alert authorities about any suspicious or criminal activity. With 24/7 hotlines and online reporting systems, the agencies are prioritizing swift, coordinated responses to any issues that may arise.
Preparedness at Every Level: A Nationwide Effort
The efforts to safeguard this election extend well beyond federal agencies. State and local election officials have been in constant communication with federal partners, developing protocols for incident response and managing threats. Election infrastructure stakeholders have been provided with guidance on mitigating cyber and physical threats, while public awareness campaigns encourage voters to verify information from reputable sources.
CISA’s #PROTECT2024 campaign is a key component of this outreach, with resources designed to educate both voters and election officials about potential threats and how to address them. This campaign reflects the agencies’ holistic approach to election security, aiming to address threats from the ground up while ensuring that the public remains informed and resilient against attempts to manipulate their perception.
A Model for Future Elections
The collaborative model being implemented in this election sets a new standard for election security in the digital age. By establishing real-time command centers, deploying sophisticated monitoring tools, and bolstering public trust through transparency, U.S. agencies have constructed a multi-layered defense against the multifaceted threats facing the democratic process.
This heightened level of preparedness, paired with lessons learned from previous elections, has put the U.S. in a stronger position to counter cyber and disinformation threats.
Yet, as Election Day unfolds, the resilience of the voting public will ultimately determine the success of these efforts. In an era where foreign adversaries can deploy narratives and cyber weapons at the click of a button, trust in the process remains a crucial line of defense.
As long as voters remain vigilant, informed, and discerning, the strength of American democracy will prevail, protected by both its citizens and the agencies committed to its security.
