In preparation for the 2024 election, the U.S. government, particularly through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has issued several recommendations for companies to minimize the potential for security breaches. Here are some key actions they suggest:

1. Enhance DDoS Protection: CISA and the FBI have highlighted the risk of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which could hinder access to election information. Companies should ensure robust DDoS protection measures are in place to maintain service availability.

2. Harden VPNs: The National Security Agency (NSA) and CISA have provided guidance on selecting and hardening VPN solutions. Companies should ensure their VPNs are secure, as these are common entry points for cyber threats.

3. Mitigate Insider Threats: CISA has outlined the risks of insider threats to election infrastructure. Companies should implement strategies to detect and mitigate these threats, such as monitoring for unusual access patterns and ensuring strict access controls.

4. Adopt Comprehensive Cybersecurity Measures: The Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity emphasizes the need for robust cybersecurity practices across the board. This includes adopting zero-trust architecture, improving incident response capabilities, and ensuring software supply chain security.

5. Utilize Risk Assessment Tools: CISA and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission have developed tools to help assess and manage election security risks. Companies should leverage these tools to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen their defenses.

By following these recommendations, companies can better protect themselves against potential cyber threats leading up to the election.