Wide World of Cyber: 2024 election interference, the media and Iran's hack and leak
Aug 19, 2024
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Chris Krebs, former director of CISA who oversaw U.S. election security in 2020, and Alex Stamos, former CISO at Facebook during the 2016 election, delve into the looming threats of cyber interference in the 2024 election. They discuss Iran's recent hack and leak targeting political campaigns, the evolving disinformation tactics, and the ethical dilemmas faced by the media in reporting sensitive information. The duo also highlights advancements in cybersecurity since 2016 and stresses the need for effective collaboration to safeguard election integrity.
The 2024 election may face significant cyber interference from foreign actors, emphasizing the need for improved cybersecurity measures amidst partisan challenges.
The media's responsible reporting on leaked information reflects a changing public perception, which may reduce susceptibility to disinformation tactics during elections.
Deep dives
Current Election Interference Attempts
Recent attempts at election interference by Iranian hackers have involved the theft and leaking of documents from the Trump campaign. This situation is compared to previous election cycles, noting the differing media reactions this time around. Unlike in 2016, when leaked information led to an intense news cycle, the current news coverage seems more restrained. Many believe that the effectiveness of these interference attempts cannot yet be fully assessed as the election season progresses, with the potential for additional tactics still in play.
Media Responsibility and Public Awareness
The media's approach to reporting on leaked documents has evolved, with more emphasis on responsible journalism compared to past elections. There is a growing skepticism among the public regarding such leaks, as many are now more aware of the possibility of disinformation. This shift in perception indicates that the public may be less susceptible to being manipulated by external actors. The conversation revealed a need for the media to authenticate information before reporting, which could help mitigate the potential impact of harmful misinformation.
Evolving Cybersecurity Measures
Since the 2016 election, significant improvements have been made in securing political campaign accounts against hacking attempts. Customized security measures have been developed for both major parties, reflecting a deeper understanding of the threats faced. However, partisan politics have hampered some of these advancements, particularly concerning the policies surrounding leaked information. The dismantling of strict policies has left campaigns vulnerable, highlighting the need for a renewed consensus on cybersecurity as a shared responsibility.
Concerns Over Election Day Chaos
There is apprehension about the possibility of foreign adversaries creating chaos during the upcoming elections, which could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. While technical security measures may thwart direct interference with the vote, the potential for confusing narratives and public discord remains a significant threat. The common goal among adversaries appears to be fostering chaos rather than changing outcomes, revealing a strategic interest in destabilizing trust in democracy. This scenario raises concerns about domestic actors exploiting any resulting confusion for political gain.
In this conversation Risky Business host Patrick Gray speaks with SentinelOne’s Chris Krebs and Alex Stamos about what sort of cyber enabled interference we can expect in the 2024 US presidential race.
Alex was the CISO at Facebook during the 2016 election, and Chris Krebs was responsible for US election security as the director of CISA in 2020.
Watch the video version of this episode on Youtube.
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