September 13, 2024 at 02:20PM
The FBI and CISA warn of high disinformation spread claiming cyberattacks on US voter registration databases, instigated by malicious actors to manipulate public opinion and undermine trust in democracy. Access to voter registration information does not indicate compromise, and there’s no evidence of cyberattacks preventing elections or altering voter data. Citizens should verify election intrusion claims and seek information from trusted sources.
Based on the meeting notes, the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security (CISA) have issued a warning to US citizens regarding the high spread of disinformation, particularly false claims of cyberattacks compromising US voter registration databases.
The malicious actors behind this discord are attempting to manipulate public opinion and undermine trust in US democratic institutions. Their tactics involve using voter registration information to support false claims of election infrastructure compromise.
The agencies clarified that access to voter registration information in itself is not an indication of database compromise, as this information is publicly available. Furthermore, they have no information suggesting any cyberattack has prevented an election, changed voter registration information, compromised the integrity of ballots, or disrupted the ability to count votes.
As a recommendation, individuals are advised not to take claims of election intrusion at face value, to be cautious of the veracity of social media posts or emails from unfamiliar addresses, and to seek information from state and local government election officials and trusted sources if they have questions.