As the 2024 US election looms just a week away, heightened concerns surrounding cybersecurity are coming to the forefront of public discourse.
Although a significant portion of the voting in the United States still relies on manual or non-digital systems, which, in theory, mitigates certain risks associated with the election process, the complexities of modern technology cannot be overlooked.
However, the emergence of misinformation campaigns, the creation of fake candidate profiles, and alarming breaches of political figures’ and parties’ accounts present substantial challenges to election integrity.
These malicious tactics are not merely aimed at influencing voter choices; their ultimate goal is to disrupt the electoral process itself, swaying public perception and eroding trust in fundamental democratic institutions. Notably, during a training exercise on cybersecurity, a team member from the Paris 2024 flying squad simulated a cyber attack and demonstrated mitigation efforts from a computer positioned at the Olympic site that will host hockey events at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Colombes, near Paris, on May 3, 2024. (credit: STEPHANIE LECOCQ/REUTERS)
While cyber threats have become a pervasive global issue, the stakes are particularly high in the context of US elections, which can set the tone for international policies and have far-reaching implications.
Hackers and nefarious actors have had ample time to strategize and now possess access to central systems and extensive databases replete with sensitive information.
How to combat the threats
To effectively combat these looming threats, it is of paramount importance for political parties, candidates, and all stakeholders to enhance their cybersecurity measures and foster greater awareness across the board.
Ensuring the security of votes and individuals is just the tip of the iceberg; the overarching goal must be to secure the entire electoral ecosystem and uphold trust in the electoral process and democracy itself.
In addressing cyber threats, maintaining a delicate balance is crucial—ensuring adequate protection while allowing for a seamless electoral process, acknowledging concerns without instilling unwarranted fear.
As cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence evolve, the challenge of achieving this balance—currently a formidable task—will likely become even more complex in the future.
The writer is CEO of Sygnia, a global cyber technology and services company.