The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have issued a joint warning about potential cyberattacks targeting the 2024 general election. The agencies alerted the public to the threat of Distributed Denial of Service attacks, which could temporarily disrupt access to election-related websites and services. DDoS attacks involve overwhelming servers with traffic, making them inaccessible to users.
While these attacks could cause minor disruptions to voter look-up services and unofficial election night reporting, the F.B.I. and C.I.S.A. emphasized that they would not affect the actual casting or counting of ballots. “Threat actors may falsely claim that DDoS attacks are indicative of a compromise related to the election process as they seek to undermine confidence in U.S. elections,” the agencies stated. They assured the public that no DDoS attack has ever prevented an eligible voter from casting a ballot or compromised the integrity of election results.
FBI and CISA issue DDoS warning
The agencies stressed the importance of seeking out reliable information from official sources, particularly if election-related websites become temporarily unavailable due to cyberattacks. Election officials across the country have implemented multiple safeguards and backup processes to mitigate any potential disruptions.
In the event of a DDoS attack, election offices have alternative channels for disseminating information, including traditional news outlets and direct messaging to voters. The F.B.I. and C.I.S.A. are working closely with federal, state, and local election partners to safeguard U.S. voting processes and maintain the resilience of the nation’s elections. This warning comes amidst heightened concerns over cybersecurity threats to the country’s election processes.
The agencies are working diligently to ensure the security and integrity of the voting process. For the full statement, the public can visit the Department of Justice’s website.
