Today’s elections are fraught with threats. Election security officials face an unprecedented range of cyber threats, from advanced cyber criminals seeking to sow chaos to bad actors who create an atmosphere of uncertainty by questioning the integrity of the election process.
Across the globe, there is a much-lamented lack of trust as one political “side” views the other with ferocious suspicion. The concerns of election officials are urgent and quite real. They must grapple with the potential for cyberattacks targeting voter registration systems, attacks on websites reporting election results, and the risk of social engineering.
Hackers, both foreign and domestic, are becoming bolder, and the stakes are high. The very infrastructure of our elections is under threat. There is a lot to worry about. A lot to keep one up at night. We’re here to offer solutions. Some practical tactics that can be employed right now so you can see results right away.
There is one key solution that stands out: Privileged Access Management (PAM). Here’s why.
1. Election cybersecurity and the role of PAM
At its core, election cybersecurity is about protecting sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands. Hackers are increasingly targeting government databases and tax-related records, looking for anything that could compromise election integrity or cause public distrust.
Every election cycle sees a rise in both the sophistication of attacks and the actors involved, ranging from local mischief-makers to state-sponsored adversaries. Privileged Access Management plays a critical role in safeguarding election systems by ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the most sensitive data.
2. Real-Time threat detection and incident response
Social engineering and phishing attacks are key tactics used by cybercriminals during election cycles. PAM systems provide an invaluable line of defense by detecting suspicious activity, such as unauthorized access attempts or malicious phishing efforts, in real time.
By monitoring privileged accounts and applying least-privilege principles, PAM restricts the access of every user to only what’s necessary, significantly reducing the risk of a data breach. Should an incident occur, PAM’s auditing capabilities come into play. Every keystroke and activity within privileged accounts is logged, allowing for rapid response and recovery.
In elections, where the consequences of delays can be catastrophic, this capability is invaluable.
3. Regulatory compliance and auditing
Every country with open elections will have guidelines to ensure the integrity of an election. For example, in the United States, each state follows a different set of regulatory requirements, making compliance a complex challenge for election officials.
Privileged Access Management helps election bodies meet election cybersecurity guidelines, including election-specific regulations that demand strict auditing and monitoring. In the United States, this includes compliance with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) standards, which are vital for ensuring that election systems maintain integrity and transparency.
Users of senhasegura’s solution have the ability to track and record every action taken by privileged users, and the technology also provides election officials with the necessary tools to ensure full compliance with regulatory bodies. This level of visibility is crucial, especially in a time when election results are under increased scrutiny.
4. Preventing insider threats
While external cyber threats are significant, insider threats remain a major concern during elections. Employees or contractors with elevated privileges can pose a risk if not properly monitored.
Privileged Access Management mitigates this risk by placing users into groups with well-defined access levels. Every action taken by these individuals is recorded and analyzed, allowing suspicious behavior to be flagged in real time. When election officials better understanduser behavior, they are able to create a security environment where potential insider threats are detected before they can cause damage.
5. Multifactor authentication (MFA): the first line of defense
Adopting multifactor authentication (MFA) is a basic and relatively simple step for accessing sensitive election systems. When combined with PAM, MFA adds a critical additional layer of security. By requiring multiple forms of identification before granting access to privileged accounts, MFA significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access.
Incorporating PAM with strong MFA policies ensures that even if one line of defense fails, additional layers are in place to protect sensitive election data. This should be a top priority for election officials looking to secure their infrastructure.
6. Least privilege and Zero Trust
In election security, you can never be too cautious. The principle of least privilege, which ensures that users only have access to the data and systems necessary for their roles, is central to preventing unauthorized access. PAM enforces this principle by continually auditing and monitoring user activity, ensuring that no one can access sensitive information without appropriate clearance.
Zero Trust architectures further strengthen election cybersecurity by assuming that threats can originate from both inside and outside the organization. PAM helps election officials adopt this crucial security model with its ability to support Zero Trust by verifying every request for access and continuously monitoring user behavior.
7. Take election security seriously
In an environment where the stakes are higher than ever, securing election infrastructure must be a top priority.
From the protection of voter data to the prevention of insider threats, Privileged Access Management offers a comprehensive solution for election officials and government organizations. By working with a trusted PAM provider, election and government bodies can take a proactive stance in securing their systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and preventing the unauthorized access that cybercriminals are increasingly seeking.
As scrutiny and public paranoia grow, election officials cannot afford to be complacent.
Every keystroke, every access point, and every potential breach must be monitored, managed, and mitigated. And this is precisely why a trusted PAM resource like senhasegura is vital.
Robert O’Shaughnessy is the founder and operator of OE Communications, a marketing and communications consultancy. Robert focuses on brand strategy, go-to-market strategy, content strategy, and building and mentoring teams. Robert has worked variety of industries including cybersecurity and is collaborating with senhasegura on growth and the North American market.
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