As election season heats up, we are navigating through a multitude of issues within our deeply divided society. While politicians often campaign on platforms shaped by fear or designed to appeal to special interest voting blocs, we rarely see politics directly intertwined with cybersecurity. Yet, in election years—especially this one—the topic of cybersecurity assumes unprecedented importance. The hacking and distribution of Hillary Clinton’s private emails in 2016 on her campaign, for example, is an event with significant impact that cannot be ignored, and arguably cost her the election. Past occurrences like this underscore the importance of not only focusing on candidates’ visions for the future, but also examining their cybersecurity campaign readiness and policy frameworks.
Digital threats pose a substantial risk to national security. Consequently, the electorate should demand clarity on how prospective leaders intend to navigate the intricate landscape of cyber threats. Will their strategies be reactive, addressing threats as they emerge, or proactive, anticipating challenges and reinforcing defenses in advance? The management of campaign IT assets should also be under scrutiny, especially from donors and lobbying groups with deep pockets. This distinction is pivotal, as the integrity of our democratic processes and protection of our digital borders hang in the balance.
In our overwhelmingly digital age, a candidate’s position on cybersecurity should be deemed as crucial as their policies on the economy, health, and defense. Voters and technologists alike seek candidates who can articulate clear, comprehensive cybersecurity strategies that transcend mere rhetoric.
The complexity and constantly evolving nature of cyber threats necessitate the involvement of experts. This means technologists, cybersecurity professionals, and AI specialists must play a pivotal role in campaigns and help shape policies that are both realistic and forward-thinking. As candidates formulate their cybersecurity agendas, integrating input from these experts—who may also be their constituents—can offer invaluable insights into the latest cyber threat trends, effective defense technologies, and implications of emerging technologies on national security.
Questions to Ask Candidates
Though this list is not exhaustive, there are some critical and basic questions we should all pose to candidates, encouraging them to develop policy papers on these topics:
Addressing these and other questions is imperative, given the near-continuous breaches in recent years and the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cybersecurity Solutions
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a cornerstone of the next generation of cybersecurity solutions. With its ability to analyze vast data sets at unparalleled speeds, AI is instrumental in identifying and neutralizing threats before they cause harm. Accordingly, candidates’ policies should explore leveraging AI to bolster national cyber defenses, including the development of AI-driven threat detection systems and the application of machine learning to predict and prevent cyberattacks.
Beyond Physical Borders
National security discussions often focus on physical borders, a particularly salient topic this election season. Yet, our cyber borders are arguably just as vulnerable, if not more so. The porous nature of cybersecurity, where threats can originate from any corner of the globe, calls for a reevaluation of how we protect our digital infrastructure. Candidates must clearly articulate their plans for strengthening virtual borders and protecting sensitive data, critical infrastructure, and the fabric of our democracy against cyber intrusions.
As the election draws near, the clarity and depth of candidates’ cybersecurity policies deserve increasing scrutiny. The electorate is entitled to understand how prospective leaders will confront the formidable cyber challenges of our era. Will they merely react to threats as they occur, or will they take proactive measures to avert incidents or an all-out cyber disaster? The responses to these questions are crucial and should be demanded by the electorate, as they will shape the security and resilience of our nation in the digital age.
This article was originally published in Forbes, please follow me on LinkedIn.
