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The Journal.

Former Election Security Head on America’s Biggest Threats

Oct 29, 2024
Chris Krebs, former top cybersecurity official at the Department of Homeland Security, shares insights on election security and cyber threats, now as director of a cybersecurity firm. He discusses the persistent risks posed by foreign adversaries like Russia and China, revealing their evolving tactics in cyberattacks. Rolf Winkler, a WSJ reporter, probes into the implications of these threats on democracy and critical infrastructure. The conversation emphasizes the increasing corporate responsibility in mitigating these risks and the role of social media in election integrity.
22:23

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Quick takeaways

  • Chris Krebs highlighted the integrity of the 2020 election, asserting it was the most secure in American history despite political backlash.
  • Krebs warned of growing cyber threats from foreign adversaries like China, underlining the need for a coordinated response to protect critical infrastructure.

Deep dives

The Security of the 2020 Election

During his tenure as head of election cybersecurity, Chris Krebs emphasized the integrity of the 2020 election, declaring it the most secure in American history. Following the election results, which indicated Joe Biden's victory, Krebs spoke out against claims of fraud made by former President Trump, asserting that there was no evidence of manipulation or compromise in the voting systems. This led to Trump firing Krebs via Twitter, showcasing a significant clash between cybersecurity officials and the political rhetoric surrounding the election. Krebs highlighted the advancements made post-2016 elections, ensuring that 98% of votes cast would have a paper trail, enhancing audit capabilities and reducing the risk of hacking.

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