Boosting election support: Federal agency launches cybersecurity initiative for local offices

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has launched a new program aimed at enhancing election security across the country. The program, which includes 10 new hires with extensive election experience, will provide support to state and local election offices, helping to address security challenges, such as cyberattacks by foreign governments and criminal ransomware gangs. The agency was formed in response to Russian interference in the 2016 US election, and election systems were designated as critical infrastructure, enabling them to receive additional support from the federal government.