DHS warns political campaigns are prime targets for cyberattacks

TLDR:

Foreign adversaries and cybercriminals are increasingly targeting U.S. political campaigns ahead of the 2024 elections, according to a top cyber official at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Office of the Director of National Intelligence also warned of potential election influence attempts by China. DHS has implemented various measures to enhance election infrastructure cybersecurity, like a preparedness grant program and information sharing initiatives. These efforts aim to secure election systems against hacking and protect the country’s electoral process.

DHS Calls Political Campaigns ‘Ripe Target’ for Cyberattacks

Foreign adversaries and cybercriminals are increasingly targeting U.S. political campaigns ahead of the 2024 elections, a top cyber official for the Department of Homeland Security said Friday. Iranga Kahangama, DHS assistant secretary for cyber, infrastructure, risk and resilience, suggested that these threats aim to sow discord and undermine the integrity of the electoral process. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s annual threat assessment also warned about potential election influence attempts by China. These concerns stem from past incidents, like the 2016 Russian hacking of the Democratic National Committee. In response, DHS has initiated various cybersecurity measures to fortify election infrastructure, such as a $2 billion preparedness grant program and the release of resources like the election cybersecurity toolkit. However, the department has faced past criticisms related to its election security efforts, including the failure to publish comprehensive incident response plans.