During the 2008 presidential election, both Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain computer networks were attacked by Chinese hackers. Four years later, Mitt Romney and Obama were again faced with similar threats during their campaign. Since then, each year political campaigns are threatened by cybersecurity issues – from hacktivism to fraud – politicians have yet to resolve their cybersecurity woes.

With the 2016 election cycle around the corner, U.S. presidential candidates and their campaigns are faced with the every present threat from hackers. According to The US Intelligence chief, James Clapper, candidates are being targeted by foreign intelligence services and domestic threats alike. The agency works closely with the FBI and The Department of Homeland Security to ensure that each candidate has a secure network.

Cyber experts are now saying that foreign hackers have the ability to gain access to the current presidential campaigns with far more ease than was previously thought. Instead of just vandalizing infrastructures, the hackers are more determined to steal sensitive information and reveal campaigns about each candidate. Unfortunately, not much has been done to prevent these attacks within the past several years. James Clapper recently predicted that “Ninety percent of all cyber intrusions are initiated by successful spearfishing or the use of fake web links.” In the long run, candidate’s networks will become more vulnerable to these particular attacks if the government does not bolster network security.

Cybersecurity experts from The Department of Homeland Security DHS suggested that cyber crimes pose the greatest threats to the biggest companies and government databases in the United States. Thus, DHS National Cyber Security Division (a division within The Department of Homeland Security), has been working to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity workforce. More specifically, they serve as National Protection and Programs’ Office of Cyber Security & Communications. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the department must look for new ways to enhance the security, resilience, and reliability of the Nation’s cyber and communications infrastructure.

Although the Department of Homeland Security vital mission is to combat cyber crime, there are still risks for attacks. And with over 300 million people living in America, it is impossible for the DHS to protect every person against cyberattack. Each day, hackers are learning new techniques to attack an individual’s computers. In fact, the increase of the various online hacks is due to a lack of security on their infrastructures. Therefore, the best way to protect your personal information requires intelligent, well-rounded IT professionals. Do not take these chances and put your private information at risk. For more details about cybersecurity and protecting your personal data, please contact me directly.

Kimberly Cichon

T: 646.757.3254

E: kcichon@thelcogroup.com