The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are raising awareness of the potential threat posed by attempts to manipulate information or spread disinformation in the lead-up to and after the 2022 midterm elections. Foreign actors may intensify efforts to influence the outcomes of the 2022 midterm elections by circulating or amplifying reports of real or alleged malicious cyber activity on election infrastructure. Additionally, these foreign actors may create and knowingly disseminate false claims and narratives regarding voter suppression, voter or ballot fraud, and other false information intended to undermine confidence in the election processes and influence public opinion of the elections' legitimacy, as seen with previous election cycles, foreign actors continue to knowingly spread false narratives about election infrastructure to promote social discord and distrust in US democratic processes and institutions and may include attempts to incite violence.
Foreign actors can use several methods to knowingly spread and amplify false claims and narratives about malicious cyber activity, voting processes, and results surrounding the midterm election cycle. These actors use publicly available and dark web media channels, online journals, messaging applications, spoofed websites, emails, text messages, and fake online personas on US and foreign social media platforms to spread and amplify these false claims. For example, foreign actors may use such platforms to spread disinformation and claim successful cyber compromises of election infrastructure, evidenced by “hacked” or “leaked” US voter registration data, suggesting a compromise to the voting process or election result integrity. While some voter registration information is publicly available, the FBI and CISA have no information suggesting any cyber activity against US election infrastructure has impacted the accuracy of voter registration information, prevented a registered voter from casting a ballot or compromised the integrity of any ballots cast. These efforts by foreign actors aim to undermine voter confidence and entice unwitting consumers of information. Third-party individuals like, discuss, share, and amplify the spread of false or misleading narratives.
The FBI and CISA urge the American public to critically evaluate the sources of the information they consume and to seek out reliable and verified information from trusted sources, such as state and local election officials and reputable news media. The FBI and CISA will continue to respond quickly to potential threats by seeking to engage with state and local officials and the public when possible.
Recommendations:
- For information about registering, voting, and election results, rely on state and local government elected officials.
- Visit the U.S. Election Assistance Commission website (https://www.eac.gov) as a resource for verified and reliable elections-related information and resources.
- Be aware that foreign actors can create or share sensational content to incite anger, mobilize, and promote the amplification of false information.
- Seek information from trustworthy and reputable media and social media sources, considering the author and their intent.
- Keep in mind that some news sites sound authentic but are authored by foreign actors.
- Confirm with reputable sources reports that claim voting or elections infrastructure challenges or discrepancies. Know where to access local election information, such as official websites and social media accounts, or by contacting local elections officials.
- Critically evaluate the information you share, and verify information with trusted sources, such as state and local election officials and reputable news media. If the information is not from a credible source or a second reliable source cannot be found, consider not sharing it, as you may inadvertently amplify misinformation.
- Be wary of phone calls or emails from unfamiliar callers and senders that make suspicious claims about the election process or of social media posts that appear to spread inconsistent information about election-related problems or results.
- If appropriate, use in-platform tools offered by social media companies to report elections-related disinformation.
- Be cautious with websites not affiliated with local or state governments that solicit voting information, like voter registration information. Websites that end in “.gov” or websites you know are affiliated with your state or local election office is usually trustworthy. Be sure to know what your state and local elections office websites are in advance to avoid inadvertently providing your information to nefarious websites or actors.
- Report potential election crimes—such as intentional disinformation about the manner, time, or place of voting—to your local FBI Field Office.
- The FBI investigates election crimes, malign foreign influence operations, and malicious cyber activity targeting election infrastructure and other U.S. democratic institutions. CISA helps critical infrastructure owners and operators, including those in the election community, remain resilient against physical and cyber threats. The FBI and CISA provide services and information to the public and private sectors to uphold the U.S. election infrastructure's security, integrity, and resiliency.
- The FBI and CISA encourage the public to report information concerning suspicious or criminal activity to their local FBI field office (www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field). For additional assistance, best practices, and common terms, please visit the following websites and see previous FBI Public Service Announcements (PSAs):
- FBI’s Protected Voices: www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/foreign-influence/protectedvoices
- FBI’s Election Crimes and Security: www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-andcrimes/election-crimes-and-security
- CISA’s Election Security Resource Library: Election Security Library | CISA
- CISA’s Election Security Rumor vs. Reality: https://www.cisa.gov/rumorcontrol
- CISA’s Mis-, Dis-, and Malinformation Resource Library: https://www.cisa.gov/mdm-resource-library
https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/PSA-information-activities_508.pdf
Red Sky Alliance is a Cyber Threat Analysis and Intelligence Service organization. For questions, comments, or assistance, please get in touch with the office directly at 1-844-492-7225, or feedback@wapacklabs.com
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