The Consequences of Foreign Interference in Elections and the Urgency for Cyber Security

Foreign interference in national elections has become a pressing concern, with the potential to significantly impact democratic processes and the fairness of election results. Historically, the notion of interference has been downplayed or outright dismissed, but recent events have highlighted the serious implications of such actions.

Understanding the Narrative of Foreign Interference

There is a persistent narrative that speaks of fabricated stories to obscure the poor campaign performance of a candidate or party. However, the reality is much more complex and concerning. Recent incidents, particularly the interference by foreign actors in past U.S. elections, demonstrate that such actions can have far-reaching and damaging consequences.

Examples of Foreign Interference in Elections

One of the most notable cases is the interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election by Russian state actors. The Russian efforts were multifaceted, involving espionage and data breaches to influence the election results. This interference not only targeted political parties but also compromised leaders and business figures within the Republican party, which set back the nation and jeopardized the fragile democracy.

Despite these actions, the Russian state managed to achieve their intended outcomes, ultimately contributing to a victory for then-candidate Donald Trump in key states. The consequences were severe, leading to mistrust in the democratic process and continued geopolitical tensions.

The Role of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

As a response to these threats, the Department of Homeland Security has established the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to protect critical infrastructure and safeguard national security. CISA's mission is to partner with both industry and government to understand and manage risks to critical infrastructure. This collaborative approach reflects the growing understanding of the cyber threat landscape and the need for a comprehensive response.

Since its establishment, CISA has taken on a proactive role in addressing cyber threats and ensuring the security of elections. While there have been successes, such as the mitigation of threats in the 2020 election, it is crucial to acknowledge the ongoing challenges and the need for continued vigilance.

Current Concerns and Future Implications

While the 2020 election witnessed a better cybersecurity posture due to improved measures and cooperation between agencies, concerns persist. The question remains: What would be the consequences if Americans interfered with an American election?

In the case of the 2016 election, the consequences of Russian interference have had long-lasting effects on public trust and democratic processes. The impeachment of former President Donald Trump did not result in the removal of those who collaborated with foreign entities, highlighting the systemic issues that need to be addressed.

Looking forward, it is imperative to establish a robust framework of laws and regulations to address future instances of election interference. The absence of clear legal consequences for interference can embolden actors to continue their detrimental activities.

Conclusion

The issue of foreign interference in elections is not a political or ideological matter but a critical national security concern. The establishment of agencies like CISA marks a step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done to ensure the integrity and fairness of elections. Protecting democratic processes from foreign influence is essential for maintaining a healthy and thriving democracy.