Today is Election Day, a day when Americans nationwide exercise their fundamental right to vote. With Election Day cybersecurity concerns on the rise, it’s essential for voters to stay informed against cyber threats and fake news. As you cast your vote, knowing how to navigate these risks can help protect your personal information, ensure a smooth voting experience, and uphold trust in the democratic process.
Stay Informed About Election Day Cybersecurity Risks
In recent years, advances in generative AI have transformed many industries but are also being used by adversarial groups to create misleading or divisive content. Foreign actors use AI-generated posts to spread misinformation, often targeting social media to influence voter opinions and cast doubt on the integrity of the election. This Election Day, be cautious about posts that seem inflammatory or suspicious, especially those from unfamiliar or unverified sources, and rely on trusted news outlets for reliable updates.
Cybersecurity Threats to Election Infrastructure
Across the U.S., more than 3,000 counties are responsible for managing local election systems, which makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks, especially around Election Day. Malicious actors often attempt to breach election websites in the 48 hours surrounding the election, aiming to disrupt the reporting process and create confusion. Fortunately, cybersecurity organizations like Microsoft work closely with agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to protect these systems and maintain the integrity of election results.
While these efforts are in place, voters play a role in supporting Election Day cybersecurity by using official sources. If you are checking election results or tracking voting information, rely on official state or county websites to avoid the risk of misleading or unverified data.
Tools for Voters to Combat Misinformation
Election Day can be busy and often stressful, making it easy for false information to spread quickly. To help identify and avoid false information, utilize resources from credible organizations that provide up-to-date information on potential threats and tips for verifying the accuracy of information.
In addition, you can use online tools like VirusTotal or Palo Alto Networks to verify links in emails or texts, ensuring they are safe before opening. Avoid clicking on unknown links related to election news or results, as they may lead to malicious sites designed to steal personal information.
Supporting a Safe and Secure Election Day
As you go to the polls or follow election updates today, be mindful of Election Day cybersecurity best practices to ensure a secure voting experience. Voting is a vital right, and by staying informed about election security and misinformation, we all play a part in protecting the democratic process.
Interested in learning more about protecting your organization from cybersecurity threats? Reach out to Your Business Solutions today to discuss how we can help keep your information safe and secure with cybersecurity consulting in Texas.