This column was contributed by Francisco Diaz, County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. BenitoLink invites all community members to share their ideas and opinions. By registering as a BenitoLink user in the top right corner of our home page and agreeing to follow our Terms of Use, you can write counter opinions or share your insights on current issues. Lea este articulo en español aquí.
Dear residents of San Benito County,
With fewer than 75 days remaining until the 2024 General Election, it is crucial that we stay informed and vigilant about the integrity of our electoral processes. As your elections official, I want to address some important information regarding potential threats to our election infrastructure and how we can all contribute to a smooth and secure election cycle.
Recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a joint announcement concerning Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. These attacks, where malicious actors flood online servers with excessive requests to overwhelm them, are a known tactic used by cyber criminals to disrupt public access to online services. As we approach the election, there is an anticipated increase in these attacks aimed at election-related infrastructure.
It is important to understand that while DDoS attacks might cause temporary disruptions, such as preventing access to voter information websites or unofficial election night reporting, they do not compromise the security or integrity of the voting process itself. The underlying data and systems used for voting remain intact and protected. In other words, you will still be able to cast your vote, and your vote will be counted accurately.
The goal of these attacks is often to create confusion and undermine confidence in our electoral system. However, we can counteract this misinformation by remaining informed and relying on official sources for accurate information. The FBI and CISA have emphasized that DDoS attacks have never prevented eligible voters from voting or altered the integrity of votes cast. Their continuous efforts ensure that our voting systems remain secure and resilient.
Local efforts to enhance election security:
I also want to address our local efforts to safeguard our election infrastructure. While our budget may not be extensive, we are committed to ensuring the security of our elections.
We are collaborating with County IT to implement robust security measures, including fortifying our technical infrastructure. This advancement significantly boosts our resilience against cyber threats.
In addition to these efforts, it’s essential for the public to take proactive measures to protect themselves from potential attacks. By staying informed about cybersecurity best practices — such as using strong, unique passwords and being cautious with suspicious emails or links — everyone can help safeguard both the electoral process and personal information.
Here are some practical recommendations to navigate potential disruptions and stay well-informed:
- Seek Official Information: Refer to official sources for accurate details about voting procedures, including voter registration, polling locations, and mail-in voting. Your San Benito County Elections Department website is https://www.sanbenitocounty-ca-cre.gov/
- Contact your Election Officials: If you have trouble accessing official websites, contact your state or local election officials for support. Your San Benito County Elections Department email is sbcvote@sanbenitocountyca.gov and phone number is 831-636-4016.
- Understand DDoS Attacks: While DDoS attacks may cause temporary disruptions to online services, they do not affect the security or integrity of the election systems or voting process.
Election officials across the country are well-prepared with alternative communication channels, including traditional media and direct messaging, to ensure that crucial information reaches voters even if online resources are temporarily affected. Additionally, they have robust safeguards, backup processes, and response plans to handle and mitigate the impact of any cyber incidents.
Rest assured, both the FBI and CISA are working diligently with federal, state, and local partners to protect our election infrastructure from cyber threats. Their coordinated efforts are vital in maintaining the resilience of our democratic processes.
As we move closer to Election Day, I encourage you to stay informed, trust in the integrity of our systems, and participate in the democratic process with confidence. Your vote is your voice, and together, we can ensure that it is heard and counted.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.
Warm regards,
Francisco Diaz
County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters
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