As the United States gears up for what is anticipated to be a highly active US general election 2024 season, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has intensified its efforts to collaborate with election officials across the country.
Nowhere has this collaboration been more pronounced than in Idaho, where a recent initiative spearheaded by the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office highlights the importance of election security.
Strengthening US General Election 2024 Readiness in Idaho
Working in close partnership with CISA’s Region 10 team, which includes cybersecurity, protective security, and election security advisors, the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office led a comprehensive initiative designed to enhance election security readiness across the state. This effort was embodied in a two-part election security virtual webinar training series, aimed at equipping county election officials with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of the upcoming elections.
The training series, which engaged election officials from all 44 counties in Idaho, unfolded in two distinct phases: a workshop and a tabletop exercise (TTX) training session. These sessions were designed not only to provide technical knowledge but also to foster a collaborative environment, bringing together participants from various state agencies, including the Idaho Office of Emergency Management and the Idaho State Police.
Collaborative Efforts and Strategic Partnerships
“The opportunity to support the exercise with the Idaho Secretary of State’s office was so important to building partnerships to help ensure a safe and secure election,” said Lori Augino, Region 10 Election Security Advisor. The collaborative nature of the training sessions highlighted the significance of partnerships in maintaining the security and integrity of the electoral process.
In response to the growing demand for enhanced internal training, CISA security advisors facilitated an additional tabletop exercise session at the request of Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane. This session targeted all internal Idaho Secretary of State staff and election officials, further emphasizing the state’s commitment to election security.
“We really appreciate the support from CISA, the Idaho Office of Emergency Management, Idaho National Guard, and our other strategic partners,” said Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane. “Our recent tabletop exercises with the county elections office really challenged us and helped in the preparation for the 2024 election cycle. This exercise highlights our dedication to planning ahead and being prepared so that we can ensure the strength and integrity of Idaho’s electoral system.”
Focus on US General Election 2024 Security Threats
The training sessions covered a wide range of election security topics, including CISA’s approach to election security, the risks associated with phishing, and recommendations for mitigating physical security risks. Additionally, the sessions introduced techniques for recognizing potentially escalating situations, as well as the identification, detection, and response capabilities of local election officials in the face of cyber and physical security threats.
“We are honored to have worked with the Secretary of State’s office to share our knowledge and help build awareness of these issues that could impact our elections,” said Josh Stemp, Idaho Cybersecurity State Coordinator for CISA. The training sessions reinforced the critical importance of preparedness and awareness in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
US Election 2024 Security in Broader Context
The heightened focus on election security in Idaho comes at a time when concerns about cybersecurity in the electoral process are more pronounced than ever. Recent claims by former president and current Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump that his campaign had been hacked, following reports from Microsoft about an Iranian hacker group targeting a high-ranking official’s account, have highlighted the ongoing risks.
While these events remain uncorroborated, they serve as a reminder of the potential for cyber threats to disrupt the upcoming US general election in 2024. In addition to the possibility of service disruptions, data breaches, fraud, and other forms of cybercrime pose significant risks to the electoral process.
CISA’s Ongoing Commitment to Election Security
CISA’s efforts to support election security are not limited to Idaho. The agency is committed to working collaboratively with state and local governments, election officials, federal partners, and private sector entities across the nation to manage risks to election infrastructure. This commitment is rooted in the understanding that fair and free elections are a cornerstone of American democracy, and the security and resilience of the infrastructure that supports these elections are of paramount importance.
Since the Department of Homeland Security officially designated election infrastructure as critical infrastructure in January 2017, CISA has prioritized efforts to protect this vital aspect of national security. The agency provides resources on election security for both public and election officials at all levels and remains transparent and agile in its efforts to protect America’s election infrastructure against evolving threats.
Looking Ahead to the 2024 US Election
As the 2024 US general election approaches, the efforts of CISA, the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office, and other partners in Idaho serve as a model for how states can proactively address the challenges of election security. Through continued collaboration, training, and preparedness, Idaho is setting a strong example of how to ensure the integrity of the electoral process in an increasingly complex threat environment.
With the stakes higher than ever, the importance of safeguarding the electoral process cannot be overstated.
As Idaho and other states continue to prepare for the upcoming election, the lessons learned and partnerships formed through initiatives like this will be crucial in ensuring that the 2024 US election is both secure and resilient.