Defending Digital Campaigns makes our political process more secure by providing political parties and campaigns with knowledge, products and services to defend themselves from cyber threats and attacks.

The Problem

Any organization using technology has cyber risk, but campaigns, literally at the center of our election process, face special challenges. They are up against some of the most sophisticated malicious cyber operators in the world, yet many of them have to operate on a shoestring, not connected to traditional cybersecurity systems like law enforcement and threat sharing environments. Campaigns emerge and grow quickly, supporting hundreds, sometimes thousands of staff and volunteers, storing sensitive information that can be devastating if stolen and released, collecting and using large volumes of data that can be used to manipulate the election. All these factors combined creates an enormous attack surface for cyber operators.

Even if cybersecurity is a priority, campaigns, parties or committees may not have the expertise, time, or the funds to implement stronger cybersecurity practices. Many companies that provide cybersecurity products are willing to help protect our democracy and campaigns by providing products and support for free or reduced costs. However, up until now, there was not a way for companies to provide that help within guidelines of the Federal Election Commission (FEC).