USA, presidential elections and threat dynamics

2024-11-02 17:13:17, Kosova & Bota CNA

The United States will decide on Tuesday who will lead the country for the next four years. As VOA correspondent Jeff Seldin reports, security and intelligence officials warn that voters are facing an election environment where the dynamics of threats from both inside and outside the country have increased.

The burning of ballot boxes in Washington and Oregon was a shocking development for election officials as early voting continues in several states.

"Police determined that an incendiary device in the ballot box had caused the fire," Portland Police Bureau spokesman Mike Benner said.

Cybersecurity officials say the system is secure.

"Despite the fact that the threat environment has never been more complex, election infrastructure has never been more secure, and election cybersecurity workers have never been better prepared," said Jen Easterly, director of the US Agency for Security and Public Safety. Cyber ??Infrastructure.

Since January of last year, federal, state and local officials have conducted more than 1,300 physical security assessments, in addition to numerous tests to prepare for almost any eventuality.

"State and local election officials are learning from past problems. Training law enforcement, security officials and others will help reduce any potential for violence," says Andrew Borene, executive director of global security at the firm Flashpoint.

But US intelligence agencies say threats persist. US officials say external threats come from three main countries, Russia, Iran and China.

They say Russia is trying to influence former President Trump's return to the White House. Iran is trying to damage Mr. Trump and help Vice President Kamala Harris, seeing her as less of a threat.

US intelligence says China is more focused on congressional races. Microsoft has confirmed that Chinese hackers have repeatedly targeted Republican lawmakers who have been critical of Beijing.

Other efforts aim to create chaos.

A declassified US intelligence assessment warns that Russia has plans to incite violence and that Iran may also make such efforts.

Russia, Iran and China have repeatedly denied these accusations. Washington, on the other hand, says it has evidence. Manipulated videos posted on social media purportedly showing ripped ballots in Pennsylvania and immigrants claiming to vote multiple times in Georgia are the work of Russian influence. The videos have caused a stir. But it is not known whether they are changing the minds of voters.

"I would say that the success is quite small. We have not seen these videos or content go beyond social media or the Telegram network," says Brian Liston with the Recorded Future's Insikt Group.

For now, US election and security officials are urging voters not to fall prey to misinformation and disinformation, trying to reassure them that they can trust the election process and results./ VOA