RESEARCH: U.S. election security developments in the last 72 hours: CISA advisories, voting equipmen

Summary of Key Points from the FBI and CISA Joint PSA FBI and CISA Release Joint PSA, Just So You Know

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have jointly released a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to alert the public about attempts to undermine confidence in U.S. election security through false claims that cyberattacks have compromised voter registration databases. These disinformation campaigns are likely intended to sow distrust in U.S. elections.

Key Points:

1. Purpose of Disinformation Campaigns:
   The primary goal is to create doubt and fear about the integrity of election systems, potentially influencing public perception and behavior during and after elections.

2. Nature of False Claims:
   Reports alleging that hacker groups have breached voter registration databases are typically unfounded. Such claims should be treated with skepticism unless verified by official channels like CISA or state election officials.

3. Impact on Public Confidence:
   Even if no actual breach occurs, the spread of false information can erode public trust in electoral processes, leading to unnecessary panic and potentially affecting voter turnout or post-election assessments.

4. Recommended Actions:

   • Verify Information: Rely on official sources (e.g., CISA, state election officials) for updates regarding election security.
   • Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter or receive information suggesting a hack without verification, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or contact local law enforcement.
   • Stay Informed: Utilize resources from CISA and other trusted agencies to stay updated on legitimate election security advisories.

5. Resources Provided:

   • A PDF titled “Just So You Know: False Claims of Hacked Voter Information Likely Intended to Sow Distrust of U.S. Elections,” available in English and Spanish, detailing how to identify and respond to such disinformation.
   • Links to additional CISA resources on election security, including best practices for securing election systems and a cybersecurity toolkit specifically aimed at protecting elections.

Conclusion

The FBI and CISA emphasize the importance of vigilance and critical evaluation of information regarding election security. By following recommended guidelines and utilizing official resources, stakeholders can help safeguard the integrity of U.S. electoral processes against malicious misinformation campaigns.

For further details, refer to the provided PDFs and visit the listed CISA and White House election integrity resources.

Summary

Key Developments

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Sources

• FBI and CISA Release Joint PSA, Just So You Know