Intelligence officials are concerned that foreign hackers in 2020 not only will target voter registration databases but attempt to manipulate, disrupt or destroy the data.
Officials worry the databases could be targeted by ransomware, a type of virus that has crippled city computer networks across the United States, including recently in Texas, Baltimore and Atlanta.MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images | MediaNews Group | Getty Images
These systems, which are widely used to validate the eligibility of voters before they cast ballots, were compromised in 2016 by Russian hackers seeking to collect information. Intelligence officials are concerned that foreign hackers in 2020 not only will target the databases but attempt to manipulate, disrupt or destroy the data, according to current and former U.S. officials.
The Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, a division of the Homeland Security Department, fears the databases could be targeted by ransomware, a type of virus that has crippled city computer networks across the United States, including recently in Texas, Baltimore and Atlanta. A ransomware attack typically locks an infected computer system until payment, usually in the form of cryptocurrency, is sent to the hacker.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump Gambles That China Trade War Will Pay Off in 2020President Trump’s trade battle with China is shaping up as a definitive issue in the 2020 campaign, with shaken financial markets and fears of an economic slowdown testing the Republican’s insistence that his blunt-force trade posture will be an asset.
Read more »
Italy's 2020 deficit on track to be well below target: ministerItaly's deficit for next year is on track to be well below target with publ...
Read more »
Where the 2020 Democrats stand on climate changeThe roughly 20 Democratic hopefuls for the 2020 presidential race align on rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, protecting federal lands and supporting...
Read more »
Joe Walsh to take on Trump in 2020 Republican primaryConservative radio host and former Illinois US Rep. Joe Walsh will challenge President Donald Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2020, he announced Sunday.
Read more »