Priya Patel
TLDR:
- Generative AI (GenAI) is changing the landscape of cyber-adversary manipulation in the 2024 election.
- Foreign adversaries, such as those from China, Russia, and Iran, are expected to target US election infrastructure and political campaigns.
Foreign adversaries have been known to disrupt US elections through various methods, including espionage and “hack and leak” campaigns. Generative AI (GenAI) is now playing a significant role in these cyber-attacks, making it easier for threat actors to create and spread disinformation. This poses a serious threat to the integrity of the 2024 US election. State and local election systems, as well as political parties and campaign entities, need to implement strong cybersecurity measures to protect against these growing threats. Additionally, raising awareness among citizens and working with social media and GenAI companies is crucial in defending democracy in the digital age.
Shawn Henry, Chief Security Officer at CrowdStrike and former FBI executive, emphasizes the importance of vigilance and cybersecurity defenses in safeguarding the election process. Threat actors from various countries are expected to leverage GenAI to influence public opinion and undermine democracy. The use of deepfakes and misinformation campaigns through state-nexus entities further complicates the challenge of distinguishing between real and fake information. Collaboration between cybersecurity companies, IT providers, social media platforms, and GenAI companies is essential in detecting and preventing malicious activities that aim to disrupt the election process.
