U.S. officials, including the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), have warned that Russia is actively working to interfere in the 2024 U.S. election through cyber tactics. These interference strategies involve not only misinformation campaigns but also potential cyber disruptions aimed at undermining public trust in the electoral process. Russian actors, along with those from Iran and China, have been using AI to create more convincing disinformation. This includes deepfakes and fake news stories, often disguised as authentic content, which are intended to stir partisan tensions and cast doubt on election integrity.
Microsoft’s threat intelligence division has noted that disinformation from foreign entities is intensifying, especially in the lead-up to Election Day. While the goal of these campaigns may not be to alter election results directly, the influence on public perception is significant. Experts also warn that while U.S. voting machines are not internet-connected, threats like ransomware targeting voter registration systems could still disrupt election day operations or delay results reporting. Such disruptions, if successful, could erode public confidence in the process, posing a real challenge to democratic stability in the U.S..
