Ohio thwarts election-related cyberattack
Ohio’s election chief has stated that the state detected and blocked an attempt to hack its voting systems early last month, reports The Hill, pointing to a news report by the Associated Press.
The news outlets quote Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) as saying that the “relatively unsophisticated” cyberattack originated in Panama, but was traced to a Russian firm.
The cyberattack reportedly took place on November 5, the Election Day.
Just over a week before the cyberattack, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed SB 52, the bill strengthening the state’s standing as a leader in election security, into law (October 25).
The landmark bill, which was sponsored by State Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green), better prepares Ohio for the digital threats facing all local government entities, critical infrastructure and Boards of Elections.
LaRose said in a press release announcing the signing of the bill, “Imagine looking out the window and seeing foreign paratroopers parachuting into your town.”
“We wouldn’t tell a community, ‘you’re on your own – your sheriff department can fight off that threat’. Well likewise, in the online world, we can now respond with Ohio’s best cyber warriors so these counties and cities have the support they need.”
It was LaRose who originally proposed the bill. He did that during his time in the State Senate.
The bill allows for the secretary of state to sit on the Ohio Homeland Security Advisory Council.
It also requires county board of elections post-election audits to better ensure the results’ accuracy.
Moreover, the law puts a chief information security officer into the office of the secretary of state for a sharp focus on technological election security efforts both in the office and in all 88 counties.
Furthermore, the bill authorizes the Ohio National Guard as well as the state secretary to both further improve resilience to cyberattacks of the state election systems and better responsiveness in case of an attack.
Rob Frost, the president of the Ohio Association of Election Officials and Republican board member of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, said on the occasion, “We’re heading into 2020 with the understanding that our boards of election are going to be a target of cyber-attacks. That’s why we’re so appreciative of Secretary LaRose championing this legislation. By enhancing our security posture and ability to quickly react, we’re going to be more ready than ever to keep our elections safe and secure.”
Michelle Wilcox, the first vice-president of the Ohio Association of Election Officials and Democratic director of the Auglaize County Board of Elections, stated, “The threats to our election systems are real. Strengthening our resilience requires teamwork, and by joining forces with the Secretary of State and Ohio National Guard, we know we’ll be ready to take on whatever our enemies throw at us.”
Wayne County Prosecutor Dan Lutz commented, ““Having been a victim of a cyber-attack against my office, I believe SB 52 is an essential step towards protecting Ohio and its political subdivisions from the ever-increasing attacks on cyber infrastructure. This legislation’s creation of a cyber security reserve force will offer a strong defense and deterrent to such attacks, without which, the perpetrators will only grow bolder.”
Image via press release
