Dept. of Homeland Security activating election day cybersecurity “war room”

WASHINGTON — The federal government is setting up an election day war room, meant to fight against cybersecurity threats to our election systems.

DHS first launched an election war room for the 2018 midterms. It’s aimed at stopping foreign threats and hackers from compromising our elections, and to maintain public confidence.

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Even with record early voting turnout, election offices across the country are getting ready for Tuesday, and the federal government is gearing up to fight against cybersecurity threats.

It’s a concern that’s been front and center on Capitol Hill this year.

“Election security remains a major concern of mine,” said New York Rep. John Katko.

In January, the head of the Department of Homeland Security outlined plans for this year’s election war room.

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It will be connected to election officials in all 50 states, as well as political parties, social media companies, and law enforcement agencies.

They’ll communicate with each other about suspicious activity.

DHS says the war room helped secure those midterm elections in 2018 and on Tuesday, it’ll be up and running again.

It comes as there have been reports of Iran and Russia trying to interfere in our election systems.

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“We must continue to improve the security of election infrastructure and campaign organizations,” said Louisiana Rep. Cedric Richmond.

The war room is expected to remain open until most races across the country have been finalized.

Cox Media Group