DHS Warns of Election Cyber-fraud

Amidst the exceptionally ugly banter that has propelled its way through the 2016 Election cycle, there is a troubling and growing concern that this year’s presidential election will be hacked by cyber criminals wishing to affect the outcome on the ballot. In light of these concerns, the Department of Homeland Security has reported that 25 of our 50 states have requested federal aid and assistance with securing their polling places and election processes. This concern was fueled not only by the recent report that hackers were detected in the registration systems of at least 20 states, but also by fears that the Russian government might have malicious intentions to play a part in the election as well. According to U.S. officials, there is strong evidence that Russian government hackers were behind a series other cyberattacks against the Democratic National Committee and other affiliated political organizations. To appease some of these concerns, the Department of Homeland Security will be providing these states with the necessary technology and guidance they will need to keep the polling booths, processes, and databases secure. However, if cybercriminals are able to have even a minuscule impact on the outcome of the 2016 election, it would prove especially devastating, not only to the country’s bipartisanship, but also to the founding principle of our nation — democracy.