CISA program boosts state election security, be in the know

TLDR:

– The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has introduced a new program to improve state and local governments’ defenses against cybersecurity threats to election systems.
– Former election officials have been enlisted to assist in cyber and physical security reviews for election offices upon request.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has launched a new program aimed at strengthening state and local governments’ defenses against cybersecurity threats to election systems. The program comes in response to escalating threats ahead of the November presidential polls in the United States.

As part of the program, CISA has enlisted the help of former election officials to assist in cyber and physical security reviews for election offices that request it. This includes individuals such as former Texas State Election Director Keith Ingram, former Escambia County, Florida, Elections Supervisor David Strafford, and former Ohio Secretary of State Chief Information Officer Spencer Wood.

CISA Senior Advisor Cait Conley emphasized the importance of understanding each state’s election operating environment and security needs in order to effectively mitigate threats and ensure the security and resilience of infrastructure.

State election officials have praised the assistance from CISA, recognizing the need for stronger partnerships and support in defending against cybersecurity threats. North Carolina State Board of Elections Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell described CISA’s involvement as a step in the right direction.

The introduction of this new program highlights the growing concern around election security and the need for proactive measures to protect against cyber threats. This initiative by CISA aims to address these challenges and provide crucial support to state and local governments to enhance their defenses and ensure the integrity of the democratic process.