Washington: The Trump administration has warned that US election systems, particularly voter registration databases, remain vulnerable to foreign cyberattacks, according to newly released intelligence and cybersecurity assessments.
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report said attempts have been made to hack voter registration systems in all 50 states over the past decade, with successful intrusions reported in at least 20 states.
The assessment identified Russia, China, Iran, North Korea and certain non-state cyber groups as having the capability to target US election infrastructure. It warned that stolen voter data could potentially be used to misuse absentee ballots, alter voter registration records or undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
To improve election security, the DHS has recommended that states strengthen multi-factor authentication (MFA), maintain offline backups of critical data, enhance network security and improve emergency response systems.
However, the report emphasised that there is no evidence that any cyberattack has ever changed the outcome of a US presidential election. It added that protecting voter databases and other election infrastructure remains a key national security priority to safeguard the integrity of future US elections.
