August 16, 2024 at 01:25PM
CISA and the FBI reassure American citizens that ransomware disruptions during election periods will not impact the security of vote casting or counting. The agencies emphasize that election officials have measures in place to prevent cyber disruptions impact on electoral systems. The FBI states that ransomware is unlikely to affect voting system integrity. More information is available on CISA’s website.
Based on the meeting notes:
1. CISA and the FBI are reassuring American citizens that ransomware disruptions during voting periods will not affect the security of vote casting or counting.
2. While malicious actors have attempted to manipulate public opinion in previous elections, successful ransomware attacks on elections have been localized, minimally disruptive, and have not impacted the accuracy of ballot casting or processing.
3. Election officials employ a multi-layered approach, including technological, physical, and procedural controls, to prevent cyber disruptions from impacting electoral systems, but it’s possible for cyber intrusions to cause localized delays.
4. Combatting ransomware attacks is a top priority for the FBI, especially during elections. It’s important for the public to be aware that ransomware is extremely unlikely to affect the integrity of voting systems or the electoral process.
5. The public can find more information on understanding and mitigating the impacts of a ransomware attack on election infrastructure on CISA’s website.