Former Election Security Head on America’s Biggest Threats
Oct 29, 2024
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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.
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.
Persistent Cyber Threats
Krebs voiced concerns about ongoing election threats that have persisted since 2016, particularly from foreign adversaries like Russia and Iran targeting election infrastructure. He stated that these nations focus on destabilizing public trust through misinformation and direct attacks on election systems, although current safeguards make such breaches more difficult. The discussion points to the evolution of cybersecurity measures, such as strict testing and heightened security around voting equipment, along with the growing reliance on physical ballots. However, Krebs expressed worry over the significant influence of misinformation in modern campaigns, complicating the public's perception of election integrity.
The Rise of Chinese Cyber Threats
Krebs shifted focus to the expanding threat posed by Chinese hacking groups, noting their increasing aggressiveness in targeting U.S. critical infrastructure. He detailed the scale of China's cyber capabilities, counting over 600,000 offensive operators actively engaged in cyber espionage and disruption. These groups not only aim to steal intellectual property but are also preparing to disrupt critical services, broadening the scope of their attacks from corporate espionage to potential societal chaos. Krebs emphasized the need for a coordinated response, signaling that U.S. companies must recognize their role as the frontline in this modern cyber warfare landscape, where ransomware and hacking have become tools for geopolitical conflict.
During the Trump administration, Chris Krebs was the top cybersecurity official at the Department of Homeland Security. He spoke with WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler at WSJ Tech Live about the upcoming U.S. election and growing cyber threats from foreign governments.