The Vulnerability of Democracy: Unmasking Cyber-Attacks on the UK Electoral Commission

Cyber-attacks against the UK Electoral Commission reveal an ongoing threat to democracy

Introduction

The recent cyber-attacks against the UK Electoral Commission, where data on 40 million UK voters was exposed to hackers, highlight the ongoing threat to democracy posed by cyber-interference. While the integrity of UK elections is not immediately compromised due to the reliance on paper ballots, this attack emphasizes the need to address the vulnerability of electoral systems to malicious online interference. In order to effectively understand and defend our electoral system against such threats, three main points need to be considered: the determination of states to use cyber-attacks to subvert democracy, the wider misuse of data, and the delays in disclosure of cyber-breaches.

Hacking democracy

The determination of various states, including Russia, China, and Iran, to use cyber-attacks to manipulate western countries and cast doubts on election integrity is a growing concern. The 2016 Russian hack and leak operations targeting US elections demonstrated the effectiveness of such interference. With tensions rising in the world, these states view cyber-attacks as relatively easy ways to influence foreign policy and electoral outcomes in their favor. The availability of voter data obtained through cyber-breaches provides them with valuable resources for disinformation campaigns. The reliance on paper-based elections should not lead to complacency about the wider threats to electoral processes from determined hacking groups.

The value of data

The misuse of data has wider implications for UK national security. Data is an increasingly valuable and exploitable commodity for malicious groups, leading to the growth of a multi-billion dollar business in illegally obtained data. Hackers can target various sectors, including electoral databases, banking and finance, critical infrastructure, and university research. Ransomware attacks, often used alongside threats to leak or sell obtained data, pose significant financial and reputational risks.

Delays in disclosure

One concerning aspect of cyber-breaches is the delay in their disclosure. The recent UK incident took a significant amount of time to be reported, raising serious concerns for the rights of affected electors. However, this delay is crucial in ensuring that the systems being accessed are free from malicious interference and that hackers have been fully removed. Attackers can maintain undetected access to systems over long periods, and their presence may compromise election integrity. While the reputational cost of a data breach is damaging, the reputation and integrity of electoral processes require a different approach to public disclosure.

Being a responsible cyber-power

The UK government’s national cyber-strategy revolves around being a responsible and democratic cyber-power, including protecting electoral processes from malicious interference. However, government capabilities often struggle to keep up with hackers. The UK’s National Cyber Force has a mandate to deter, disrupt, and respond to such incidents, but attributing attacks to specific groups or states remains challenging. Punishing them legally is even more challenging, particularly if they have the endorsement of their governments.

Insider threat

In addition to concerns about the cybersecurity of electoral systems, there are broader concerns regarding the cybersecurity of political parties and candidates. These create an environment where those seeking to undermine public faith in democracy can claim that elections are not conducted fairly and are susceptible to foreign interference. Disinformation about the integrity of elections will find greater traction in the wake of such incidents. It is imperative to provide our electoral system with the necessary tools to secure their networks, including offering direct support to political parties, candidates, and civil society.

Conclusion

The cyber-attacks on the UK Electoral Commission underscore the ongoing threat to democracy posed by cyber-interference. The determination of states to manipulate electoral outcomes, the misuse of data, and the delays in disclosing cyber-breaches all contribute to the vulnerability of electoral systems. Protecting election integrity requires a comprehensive approach that combines cybersecurity measures, public disclosure, and support for political parties and candidates. It is crucial to address these challenges to ensure the continued trust and confidence in democratic processes.