During the Election Center 39th Annual National Conference held in Detroit on September 9, 2024, Jen Easterly, the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), emphasized the critical role of election security and the ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of U.S. elections. This year’s conference, marked by its vibrant setting in Detroit, was a focal point for discussions on enhancing the security and resilience of the nation’s electoral processes.
Easterly, who has led CISA since its establishment in 2018, opened her speech with a personal touch, noting the excitement within her team about the conference’s location. “My team was especially excited that this year’s conference is taking place in Detroit,” she said, reflecting on the personal connection her team has with the city, even humorously linking it to her son’s name, Jet. This light-hearted beginning set the stage for a serious discussion about the state of election security.
Jen Easterly Addresses Election Security in the US
The Election Center 39th Annual National Conference serves as a platform for election officials, cybersecurity experts, and federal partners to address the evolving challenges facing the electoral system. Easterly acknowledged the tremendous progress made in securing election infrastructure, which was designated as critical infrastructure nearly eight years ago. CISA, as the federal lead for election security, has been at the forefront of these efforts, working diligently to protect both the cyber and physical aspects of election infrastructure.
Easterly expressed her deep appreciation for the dedication of those involved in election security. “Election infrastructure has never been more secure, thanks to the incredible work across the election stakeholder community,” she remarked. Her gratitude extended to the tireless public servants who have committed themselves to safeguarding democracy.
The conference also provided an opportunity to reflect on historical milestones. Easterly drew parallels between the security of past elections and current challenges. She highlighted the significance of the 2002 midterm elections, held just over a year after the September 11 attacks. This election, often remembered for its routine nature, symbolized the resilience of American democracy in the face of adversity. “The 2002 midterm election was just another securely run election for the history books,” Easterly said, noting it was a testament to the effectiveness of election officials and the robust security measures in place.
In her address, Easterly also touched on the complexities of today’s threat environment. Modern election officials face a range of sophisticated threats, from cyberattacks and ransomware to physical threats against election workers. She underscored the need for vigilance, especially given the persistent threats from foreign adversaries like Russia, Iran, and China. “We must all be incredibly vigilant, but also know that in doing so we will prevail,” Easterly advised, emphasizing the importance of resilience and preparedness.
The CISA Director outlined recent efforts to combat these threats, including joint actions with the FBI and the Justice Department. Recent activities have seen coordinated efforts to thwart attempts by foreign actors to influence U.S. elections. “Our adversaries remain a persistent threat and will likely attempt to influence our upcoming elections,” she noted, citing specific instances of cyber operations by Iranian actors and Russian malign influence campaigns.
Key Highlights of the Conference
One of the key aspects of the Election Center 39th Annual National Conference was the release of new resources aimed at bolstering election security. Easterly announced two new products: physical and cybersecurity checklists designed for election infrastructure stakeholders. These checklists are intended to help identify areas for improvement in security and resilience, offering practical, low- or no-cost solutions for immediate implementation. “These products will help all of you identify areas to potentially enhance your security and operational resilience at election infrastructure facilities,” Easterly said, highlighting their practical value.
The conference also featured discussions on CISA’s collaborative efforts with election officials. Since the beginning of 2023, CISA has conducted over 1,000 physical security assessments, and more than 700 cyber assessments, and provided weekly vulnerability scanning reports to nearly 1,000 election jurisdictions. Additionally, CISA has facilitated over 400 training sessions for election stakeholders and hosted the seventh annual Tabletop the Vote national election exercise, which saw participation from federal agencies, private sector partners, and election officials across various states.
Easterly emphasized the importance of community and collaboration in maintaining election security. She encouraged participants to engage with their region’s election security advisor and make use of the resources available on CISA’s Protect2024 website. “Make sure to also connect with your region’s election security advisor,” she urged, recognizing the expertise and support these advisors provide.
As the address concluded, Easterly reflected on the enduring significance of democratic processes. She quoted President Ronald Reagan’s observation from his inaugural address, recognizing the democratic rituals as a “miracle.” This sentiment echoed her confidence in the ability of the election security community to navigate the challenges ahead and ensure the continued strength of American democracy.
In closing, Easterly extended her thanks and support to all those involved in safeguarding the electoral process. “I thank you all again for all you do to protect and preserve our most sacred of democratic processes,” she said, expressing her commitment to working alongside and supporting the election security community in the months to come.