CISA convenes state election officials for security briefing 85 days before midterms
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency held a conference call with state election leaders to discuss cybersecurity and physical security ahead of the midterm elections, which are 85 days away.
In a briefing hosted by the National Association of Secretaries of State, CISA’s acting director Nick Andersen and integrated-operations head Jim Harrell addressed state election officials about safeguarding voting infrastructure for the upcoming midterms. The agency reiterated its standard offer of on-demand physical and cybersecurity assessments and urged officials to work through regional directors, a practice used in prior cycles.
While acknowledging foreign actors seeking to influence the vote, CISA did not specify which nations were involved. State secretaries expressed frustration over recent comments by DHS secretary Markwayne Mullin, who warned of possible prosecutions for non-cooperation, and some described the briefing as more symbolic than substantive. Requests for concrete support, including tabletop exercises, penetration testing, and intelligence briefings, received vague responses, leaving officials uncertain about receiving help in time for Election Day.
Why it matters
State officials need clear federal support to protect voting systems as the midterm election approaches.
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