Elections are the foundation of democratic governance, and their integrity is essential to sustaining public trust. As voting systems, voter databases, and campaign operations increasingly depend on digital platforms, they also face growing risks from cyberattacks. Threat actors ranging from state-sponsored hackers to hacktivists and cybercriminal groups view elections as high-value opportunities to disrupt political stability, manipulate outcomes, or erode confidence in democratic institutions. Over the past decade, election security has shifted from a specialized concern to a matter of global and national security.

Why Election Systems Are Prime Targets for Cyberattacks

Election systems represent both symbolic and strategic targets. An attacker does not necessarily need to change actual votes to achieve their objective. Simply raising doubts about the credibility of the process can destabilize societies. Threat actors target a wide range of assets, including voter registration databases, electronic voting machines, tallying networks, and even political party servers. Campaigns are also at risk, with stolen data and email leaks often weaponized to damage reputations. The involvement of multiple stakeholders such as local governments, technology vendors, and third-party service providers further complicates security efforts.

Recent Threats to U.S. and EU Election Infrastructure

Election interference attempts have escalated in recent years. In 2024, both the United States and the European Union reported election-related cyber threats. U.S. cybersecurity agencies warned of foreign adversaries probing state-level election systems, while the EU documented coordinated disinformation campaigns amplified through compromised social media accounts. Although large-scale vote tampering was not confirmed, the perception of interference alone was enough to cast doubt on the legitimacy of outcomes. This underscores the reality that in democratic systems, perception is as critical as the actual count.

The Role of Disinformation and Deepfakes in Political Campaigns

Election cybersecurity challenges extend beyond traditional hacking. Disinformation campaigns and AI-generated deepfakes have introduced a new layer of risk. Manipulated videos and fabricated speeches spread rapidly across social media, shaping public opinion before fact-checkers can intervene. During the 2024 election cycle, several deepfakes featuring political leaders gained traction online, misleading voters and fueling polarization. The speed and reach of generative AI make it increasingly difficult to distinguish truth from fabrication, creating an environment where trust is easily undermined.

Protecting Voting Machines and Voter Registration Databases

Voting machines and voter databases are critical assets in any election. Outdated machines, many of which still lack paper audit trails, remain vulnerable to tampering. Breaches of voter databases could allow attackers to alter records, delete eligible voters, or launch denial-of-service attacks that disrupt access. To mitigate these risks, election authorities must implement strict security controls, conduct regular audits, and adopt multi-factor authentication. Paper backups and manual verification processes should be maintained as safeguards, ensuring resilience in the event of digital compromise.

Best Practices for Ensuring Trust in Digital Democracy

Securing election systems requires more than technology. Strong cybersecurity measures such as patching, multi-factor authentication, and network segmentation are necessary, but governments must also foster transparency by communicating openly about threats and protective measures. Public awareness campaigns are equally vital to help citizens recognize and resist disinformation. International collaboration plays an important role as well, with intelligence sharing and joint exercises strengthening global resilience. Ultimately, trust in elections depends on the combined efforts of governments, technology providers, civil society, and the public.

The Challenge of Securing Remote and Online Voting

Remote and online voting systems offer convenience, particularly for expatriates, military personnel, and voters with accessibility needs. However, they introduce significant risks related to authentication, anonymity, and vote integrity. Internet-based systems are susceptible to malware, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks that could disrupt voting or manipulate results. The lack of a reliable paper trail further complicates audits. While some countries have experimented with secure online voting platforms, the broader adoption of such systems remains controversial without stronger guarantees of transparency and security.

International Influence and the Geopolitics of Election Security

Election cybersecurity is not only a domestic issue but also a geopolitical one. State-backed actors often target foreign elections to advance strategic interests, weaken adversaries, or legitimize their influence on the global stage. Interference campaigns can involve direct cyberattacks, covert funding of disinformation networks, or manipulation of social media to amplify polarizing narratives. Addressing these threats requires coordinated international norms, stronger diplomatic frameworks, and collective responses to hold adversaries accountable. Election security has thus become both a cybersecurity challenge and a matter of international relations.