TONY OLSON I D2 IT PRESIDENT I NOV. 4, 2024
This US election is a lightning rod to focus and intensify cyberattacks. There has been significant discussion about foreign governments potentially trying to disrupt this election.
Recent reports indicate that countries like Russia, China, and Iran are viewed as the primary threats, with Russia being particularly active in its efforts. Officials are concerned that these foreign actors might attempt to sow discord or spread misinformation. They may also try to interfere with the electoral process in various ways, including targeting sensitive voting procedures.
The U.S. intelligence community is closely monitoring these activities and has emphasized the importance of vigilance to protect the integrity of the elections. It’s a complex issue and staying informed through reliable sources is crucial.
While you are unlikely to have a hand in stopping foreign government election interference, you must play a role in stopping personal cyberscams.
RECOGNIZING ELECTION SCAMS
There are several tech scams that could target voters on election day. Here are some of the most common types to be aware of and what makes them dangerous:
- Voter Registration Scams: Scammers may contact you via phone or email, pretending to be election officials. They might ask you to update your voter registration or claim you can register over the phone. This is merely a ploy to steal personal information. According to vote.gov, NO state allows anyone to register to vote, update registration or vote by phone.
- Political Donation Scams: These scams involve fake requests for donations from organizations posing as political action committees (PACs). Signs of a scam include unexpected calls, urgency to donate, or requests for personal financial details. Legitimate organizations should not pressure you for immediate donations.
- Fake Surveys and Polls: Scammers may conduct fake surveys, often offering compensation or prizes to gather personal information. They might ask inflammatory questions to provoke emotional responses. Be cautious of any survey that seems too good to be true or asks for sensitive information.
- Robocall Scams: Automated calls can be used to spread misinformation or solicit personal information. If you receive a robocall, especially one that seems suspicious or unsolicited, it’s best to hang up and verify the information independently.
- Disinformation Campaigns: These campaigns try to undermine confidence in the election process through false claims about hacked voter information or misleading content, including deepfakes. It’s important to rely on trusted news sources and official announcements for accurate information.
To protect yourself and help prevent voter fraud, always verify the source of any communication. Avoid sharing personal information unless you’re certain of the recipient’s legitimacy and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
SAFE VOTING PRACTICES: PROTECTING AGAINST ELECTION SCAMS
What else can you do? In order to ensure your vote is secure on election day, here are some safe voting steps and practices you can take:
- Know Your Voting Method: Familiarize yourself with how you will vote—whether in person, by mail, or through early voting. Each method has its own security measures.
- Check Your Registration: Verify your voter registration status ahead of time. You can do this through your state’s election office website to ensure you’re on the rolls and your information is correct.
- Research Your Polling Place: Confirm the location of your polling place and its hours. Knowing where to go can help avoid last-minute confusion.
- Bring Required Identification: Some states require ID to vote. Check your state’s requirements and bring the necessary identification to avoid any issues at the polls.
- Be Aware of Scams: Stay vigilant against potential scams, such as misleading calls or messages about voting procedures. Always verify information through official sources.
- Use Secure Voting Machines: If voting in person, look for fully functioning and secure voting machines. Most states conduct tests on these machines to ensure they function correctly.
- Follow Up on Your Ballot: If you vote by mail, many states offer a way to track your ballot. Use this feature to confirm that your vote was received and counted.
- Report Any Issues: If you encounter problems at the polls, report them to election officials immediately. They can assist you and ensure your vote is counted.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your voting experience is secure, and your voice is heard.
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