This week, Arizona’s Secretary of State sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, expressing grave concerns over the state’s election security amid escalating Russian cyber threats and a sudden cessation of federal support. The letter, accessible here, outlines a series of alarming incidents that underscore the urgent need for reinstated collaboration with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
Breakdown in Federal Support
The Secretary highlights a troubling development: CISA has abruptly ceased coordination with Arizona’s election security team. “What was until just last month a longstanding partnership on critical security matters is now complete radio silence from CISA staff except via one designee,” the letter states. This sudden disengagement leaves Arizona vulnerable, as the state’s resources to anticipate and guard against election threats are limited.
Escalating Russian Cyber Threats
The letter details multiple Russian-linked threats against Arizona’s election infrastructure:
- 2016 Voter Registration Database Breach: A cyberattack, initially linked to Russian hackers, forced a week-long shutdown of Arizona’s voter registration database just before the 2016 election.
- AI-Generated Disinformation in 2024: Russian-affiliated groups employed artificial intelligence to fabricate allegations that Arizona election officials were planning to commit fraud in the 2024 election.
- Bomb Threats During 2024 Election: Polling centers in Arizona received bomb threats originating from Russian email domains during the 2024 election cycle.
- Intimidation of Election Officials: Arizona election officials have been subjected to threatening communications, complicating efforts to recruit poll workers.
National Concern Over Foreign Election Interference
Arizona’s challenges are part of a broader national issue of foreign interference in U.S. elections. The 2024 elections saw significant cyber threats from various state actors:
- Iranian Interference: Iranian state hackers targeted U.S. presidential campaigns, employing sophisticated phishing techniques to compromise campaign communications.
- Chinese Espionage: Chinese government-linked hackers infiltrated the Republican National Committee’s email system, seeking information on the GOP’s stance on Taiwan.
- Russian Disinformation Campaigns: The U.S. imposed sanctions on Russian groups linked to disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing American voters.The Secretary’s letter urges DHS to restore CISA’s support to Arizona, emphasizing that federal assistance is crucial to safeguard the integrity of the state’s elections. “These services are a key component of CISA’s mission, which has provided great support in the past,” the letter asserts. The Secretary and staff are prepared to discuss the importance of CISA’s partnership in protecting Arizona’s electoral process.
As foreign cyber threats continue to evolve, the collaboration between state and federal agencies remains essential to defend the democratic process against sophisticated attacks.
