Source: Center for Internet Security
In our digitally connected world, managing your online presence is essential for protecting both your personal privacy and professional reputation. This is especially critical for election officials, who face heightened security risks due to their public roles.
The Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center® (EI-ISAC®) has developed a guide to streamline this process for election officials. It outlines steps to secure your social media accounts, protect your personal information, and maintain a professional online image. In this article, we’ll explore eight key strategies from the guide. But first, let’s understand the cyber threats facing election officials.
Cyber Threats Facing Election Officials
Analysts from the Center for Internet Security® (CIS®) Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) and Countering Hybrid Threats (CHT) have high confidence that election officials, poll workers, and candidates across the country will be targeted both online and offline. Additionally, online rhetoric, misinformation, and harmful narratives are likely to prompt threat actors to target the U.S. electoral system and related companies. Foreign influence operations may also exploit these narratives on social media to deepen societal divisions, advance their political agendas, and erode trust in the U.S. election process.
A major concern is lone offenders driven by ideological motives or personal grievances who may target government officials, institutions, or facilities. With these threats in mind, let’s look at how you can protect yourself online.
1. Secure Your Social Media Accounts
Securing your social media accounts is a fundamental step in protecting your personal information and preventing unauthorized access. Here are some best practices:
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA, also known as two-factor authentication (2FA), adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more verification methods to log in. Options include SMS-based verification, authenticator apps, and hardware security keys. While SMS-based verification is convenient, authenticator apps and hardware keys offer stronger security.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Long passphrases made up of simple, easy-to-remember words are more secure and user-friendly than complex passwords. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts to minimize the risk of widespread compromise in case of a breach. Consider using a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords for each account.
Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Phishing attacks on social media are common. Be cautious of suspicious messages, especially those that create a sense of urgency or come from unknown senders. Verify the authenticity of messages requesting personal information or login credentials.
2. Secure Your Email Account
Your email account is often linked to various social media platforms and is a primary target for attackers. Implement the same security measures, such as strong passwords and 2FA, to protect your email account. Regularly monitor account activity and update software to mitigate vulnerabilities.
3. Regularly Update Your Software
Keep your apps and operating systems up to date to maintain security. Most devices allow for automatic updates, ensuring you receive the latest security patches and improvements. For iOS devices, enable automatic updates through the settings menu. Android users can set auto-updates through the Google Play Store settings.
4. Use Secure Networks
Avoid logging into social media accounts on public Wi-Fi networks, which are vulnerable to Man-in-the-Middle attacks and malicious hotspots. A virtual private network (VPN) can encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data from interception, allowing you to safely access the internet in public. When in doubt, use a cellular data connection and avoid public Wi-Fi networks.
5. Monitor Account Activity
Regularly check your login history and account activity to detect any unauthorized access. Most social media platforms offer tools to view recent logins and account changes. Additionally, use services like HaveIBeenPwned.com to monitor if your personal information has been exposed in data breaches.
6. Manage Privacy Settings
Adjust privacy settings on your social media accounts to control who can see your information and posts. Limit who can tag or mention you to reduce unwanted attention and potential harassment. Turn off location services for social media apps to prevent your location from being shared unintentionally.
7. Separate Personal and Professional Accounts
Clearly distinguish between personal and professional social media accounts to maintain a professional image and protect personal privacy. Use different devices for personal and professional activities to avoid accidental cross-posting. Regularly review and manage followers on personal accounts to ensure that only trusted contacts have access to your information.
8. Discuss Online Privacy with Family Members
Election officials are often targeted not just directly but also through their family members. To ensure comprehensive security, discuss online privacy and security practices with your family. Inform them about the potential risks associated with sharing personal information online, such as identity theft, phishing, and cyberstalking.
Enhance Your Online Security and Privacy
Cyber attackers, foreign nation-state actors, and malicious individuals can exploit an unsecured and poorly managed online presence to steal your data and cause harm. By implementing the strategies discussed above, you can significantly enhance your online security and privacy.
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