Defending Digital Campaigns Enhances Political Security with $2.9M Cyber Services Boost
In the ever-evolving landscape of electoral politics, safeguarding against cyber threats has become crucial. Defending Digital Campaigns (DDC), a non-profit and non-partisan organization, has taken significant steps to enhance the security of political campaigns for the upcoming elections. Recently, DDC announced the provision of more than $2.9 million in free or low-cost cybersecurity services aimed at protecting political candidates and their campaigns in 2024.
Founded in 2019, DDC has remarkably contributed over $7.9 million in cybersecurity resources to various political campaigns including those for presidential and down-ballot races. Collaborating with notable organizations like Cloudflare, Google, Microsoft, and Yubico, DDC has effectively mobilized a network of partners focused on ensuring the safety of political operations in today's digitally vulnerable landscape.
Michael Kaiser, the president and CEO of DDC, expressed the urgency of the matter during the recent election season. He highlighted the reality of cyber threats including nation-state actors attempting to infiltrate campaigns and the pervasive distribution of AI-generated misinformation. 'It drove home the need for campaigns to have the right cybersecurity tools in place,' Kaiser stated, indicating a profound acknowledgment of the potential threats posed to democratic processes.
In 2024, DDC successfully assisted over 350 campaigns, committees, and state parties, bringing the total number of campaigns supported to 750 since its inception. During this period, the organization distributed over 20,000 security keys and leveraged its partnerships to address various cybersecurity concerns, from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks to campaign email impersonation and deepfake technology designed to mislead voters.
The support from DDC's technology partners has been integral to the security initiatives. For instance, Cloudflare reported blocking more than 6 billion DDoS threats during the election week, showcasing the unprecedented rise in cyber threats yet emphasizing minimal disruption to critical electoral infrastructure. Alissa Starzak, Deputy Chief Legal Officer at Cloudflare, noted their commitment to maintaining the integrity of sites facilitating democracy, ensuring they remain secure and accessible throughout the election cycle.
Another partner, Microsoft, played a vital role in educating political operatives on cybersecurity best practices, training nearly 500 individuals in 2024 to better arm campaigns against emerging threats. With a focus on combating misinformation, Doppel reported significant activity, identifying and taking action against 764 suspicious domains and 1,532 suspicious social media accounts related to the presidential campaign.
Moreover, Yubico has contributed security keys through its 'Secure It Forward' program, emphasizing their belief in the interconnectedness of a secure internet and democracy. As stated by Ronnie Manning, Chief Brand Advocate of Yubico, it is essential for campaigns to adopt rigorous security measures amidst increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
Overall, DDC's collaborative approach and substantial investment underscore a significant commitment not just to political campaigns but to safeguarding democratic processes. Their initiatives extend beyond party lines, ensuring that all eligible teams can access vital cybersecurity tools without the burden of reporting contributions, as highlighted by the recent approvals from state officials in various key states.
DDC plans to continue expanding its support to political campaigns across the United States, focusing on providing indispensable resources that protect the integrity of elections. As we approach the 2024 elections, the partnership between DDC and various technology companies aims to bolster the defenses of political entities responding to an increasingly hostile cyber environment. For more detailed information on Defending Digital Campaigns and their initiatives, visit defendcampaigns.org.
Founded in 2019, DDC has remarkably contributed over $7.9 million in cybersecurity resources to various political campaigns including those for presidential and down-ballot races. Collaborating with notable organizations like Cloudflare, Google, Microsoft, and Yubico, DDC has effectively mobilized a network of partners focused on ensuring the safety of political operations in today's digitally vulnerable landscape.
Michael Kaiser, the president and CEO of DDC, expressed the urgency of the matter during the recent election season. He highlighted the reality of cyber threats including nation-state actors attempting to infiltrate campaigns and the pervasive distribution of AI-generated misinformation. 'It drove home the need for campaigns to have the right cybersecurity tools in place,' Kaiser stated, indicating a profound acknowledgment of the potential threats posed to democratic processes.
In 2024, DDC successfully assisted over 350 campaigns, committees, and state parties, bringing the total number of campaigns supported to 750 since its inception. During this period, the organization distributed over 20,000 security keys and leveraged its partnerships to address various cybersecurity concerns, from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks to campaign email impersonation and deepfake technology designed to mislead voters.
The support from DDC's technology partners has been integral to the security initiatives. For instance, Cloudflare reported blocking more than 6 billion DDoS threats during the election week, showcasing the unprecedented rise in cyber threats yet emphasizing minimal disruption to critical electoral infrastructure. Alissa Starzak, Deputy Chief Legal Officer at Cloudflare, noted their commitment to maintaining the integrity of sites facilitating democracy, ensuring they remain secure and accessible throughout the election cycle.
Another partner, Microsoft, played a vital role in educating political operatives on cybersecurity best practices, training nearly 500 individuals in 2024 to better arm campaigns against emerging threats. With a focus on combating misinformation, Doppel reported significant activity, identifying and taking action against 764 suspicious domains and 1,532 suspicious social media accounts related to the presidential campaign.
Moreover, Yubico has contributed security keys through its 'Secure It Forward' program, emphasizing their belief in the interconnectedness of a secure internet and democracy. As stated by Ronnie Manning, Chief Brand Advocate of Yubico, it is essential for campaigns to adopt rigorous security measures amidst increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
Overall, DDC's collaborative approach and substantial investment underscore a significant commitment not just to political campaigns but to safeguarding democratic processes. Their initiatives extend beyond party lines, ensuring that all eligible teams can access vital cybersecurity tools without the burden of reporting contributions, as highlighted by the recent approvals from state officials in various key states.
DDC plans to continue expanding its support to political campaigns across the United States, focusing on providing indispensable resources that protect the integrity of elections. As we approach the 2024 elections, the partnership between DDC and various technology companies aims to bolster the defenses of political entities responding to an increasingly hostile cyber environment. For more detailed information on Defending Digital Campaigns and their initiatives, visit defendcampaigns.org.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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