Election officials recently outlined steps they are taking to eliminate hacking risk and ensure voter information and votes aren’t compromised in the upcoming election.
State Board of Elections officials say that they will be vigilant in surveying for hackers by closely monitoring Illinois’ voter databases to identify cybersecurity threats. More extensive firewall protections have been installed to protect election results and voter records, cybersecurity experts have been hired to watch for irregularities, and local election officials have received thorough cyber training. Illinois National Guard cybersecurity specialists will also be on standby to provide cybersecurity support in the event the Board of Elections needs assistance leading up to or on Election Day.
In 2016, 76,000 Illinois voters’ information was exposed through a data breach. Officials said that though the hackers accessed the voter information, they did not alter votes or election results.
If you suspect that you have been the victim of identity theft, contact the Illinois Attorney General’s Identity Theft Hotline at 866-999-5630.