@LaJoieSecurity Threat Blog

CISA’s Election Security Efforts Under Threat

 

 

In a week marked by political transitions and cybersecurity challenges, Jen Easterly, the outgoing Director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), delivered a poignant call for continued vigilance in election security. Easterly emphasized the critical role CISA has played in safeguarding U.S. elections from foreign interference and cyberattacks, while expressing concern about the agency’s future under the new administration.

As election security becomes an increasingly complex and contentious issue, CISA’s efforts in defending democratic institutions and infrastructure serve as a vital line of defense against adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran.

 

The Work of CISA in Election Security

CISA’s achievements during Easterly’s tenure highlight the importance of federal collaboration in election security:

Combatting Foreign Influence: CISA worked alongside state and local officials to counteract disinformation campaigns from adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran, ensuring voters could access accurate information.

Securing Election Systems: By deploying advanced threat detection tools and offering direct support to election offices, CISA bolstered the integrity of voting systems nationwide.

 

Promoting Public Awareness: Initiatives like the “Rumor Control” page helped dispel myths and build public confidence in election processes.

 

Challenges Ahead

Despite these successes, the future of CISA’s election security efforts is uncertain:

  • Political Pushback: Some lawmakers have opposed CISA’s role in election oversight, arguing that it oversteps federal authority.
  • Growing Threat Landscape: As adversaries refine their tactics, election infrastructure faces evolving threats, including ransomware attacks, phishing campaigns, and deepfake technologies.
  • Funding and Support: A potential shift in priorities under the new administration could jeopardize critical funding and resources for election security initiatives.

 

Why This Matters

Election security is not a partisan issue—it’s a cornerstone of democracy. Ensuring the integrity of election processes safeguards public trust and prevents adversaries from undermining confidence in democratic systems. Without robust federal leadership, state and local election officials may struggle to counter increasingly sophisticated threats.

 

Leadership Takeaways

  • Support Federal and Local Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships between CISA and election officials is essential for a unified defense against cyber threats.
  • Invest in Resiliency: Beyond preventing attacks, election systems must be prepared to recover quickly from disruptions.
  • Advocate for Nonpartisan Security Measures: Election security initiatives must transcend political divisions to protect democratic processes effectively.

 

Secure the Advantage

  • Implement Zero Trust Principles: Election systems should assume breach and ensure continuous verification of users and devices.
  • Leverage Threat Intelligence: Stay informed about emerging threats targeting elections and adapt defenses accordingly.
  • Enhance Public Awareness: Educating voters about cyber threats to elections reduces the impact of disinformation campaigns.

 

Read More

  • AP News. (2025). Jen Easterly Urges Continuation of Election Security Efforts. Retrieved from AP News.
  • CSO Online. (2025). Election Security: Lessons from 2024 and What Lies Ahead.
  • CISA.gov. (2025). Safeguarding Democracy Through Cybersecurity.

 

As Easterly steps down, her message is clear: the work of protecting democracy is never done. In an era of heightened threats, maintaining and expanding election security efforts must remain a top priority for the government, regardless of political changes.