Without Federal Help, State Officials Return to DIY Election Security
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TL;DR
- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), once a key partner in election security, has reduced its support to state officials.
- State election officials are now relying on information-sharing networks, nonprofits, and private consultants to address election security gaps.
- CISA's election security role has been diminished due to budget cuts, staff layoffs, and a shift in administration priorities following the 2020 election.
- The Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC), a vital resource for threat intelligence, lost federal funding and now operates as a paid service.
- Nonprofit organizations have emerged to provide essential services, such as translating technical alerts and consolidating guidance, to election officials.
- While acknowledging the challenges, election officials and experts express confidence in their ability to safeguard elections, crediting the dedication of election officials themselves.