China, Iran, and Russia Seek to Disrupt 2020 Elections

China, Iran, and Russia and are looking to Disrupt the U.S. Electoral Process before November’s Elections, including attempts at Compromising the Private Communications of Political Campaigns and Candidates, a Top U.S. Intelligence Official warned.

William Evanina, Director of the National Counter Intelligence and Security Center (NCISC), said that Federal Officials continue to Monitor Hackers trying to Gain Access to State and Federal Networks, including those Responsible for Managing Elections.

Foreign Adversaries are using Traditional News Outlets as well as Social Media Sites as a way to “sway U.S. voters’ preferences and perspectives, to shift U.S. policies, to increase discord and to undermine confidence in our democratic process,” he said. “The coronavirus pandemic and recent protests, for instance, continue to serve as fodder for foreign influence and disinformation efforts in America,” Evanina said in a Statement.

China, for one, is Expanding its Efforts to Influence Policy in the U.S., including putting Pressure on Political Figures Views as Opposed to its Interests. “Beijing recognizes its efforts might affect the presidential race,” he said.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Objective continues to be to Weaken the U.S. and Diminish its Global Role. Evanina said Russia continues to Spread Disinformation in the U.S., using Internet Trolls and other Proxies, Designed to Undermine Confidence in the Democratic Process.

Iran is also looking to Undermine Democratic Institutions and Divide the U.S., he said, adding that Tehran is Focused on Spreading Disinformation on Social Media and Recirculating Anti-U.S. Content.

With barely more than 100 days to the Election, Evanina urged Americans to Consume Information with a Critical eye, Check-Out Sources before Reposting Material on Social Media, and practice Good “cyber hygiene.”

Intelligence Officials have briefed Presidential Campaigns, Political Committees, and Congress, on Election Security in recent months, he said.

Responding to Evanina’s Remarks, Democratic Congressional Leaders issued a Statement saying he didn’t Provide enough Details. “The statement gives a false sense of equivalence to the actions of foreign adversaries by listing three countries of unequal intent, motivation and capability together,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA, 12th District), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (NY-9th District), House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA, 28th District), and Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA).

“The statement, moreover, fails to fully delineate the goal, nature, scope and capacity to influence our election, information the American people must have as we go into November,” the Democrats said.










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