Amid increased warnings of Russian interference in the midterm elections — and evidence that hackers are targeting candidates — congressional campaigns are trying to balance cybersecurity with the demands of competitive contests. That’s especially difficult for small House campaigns. But experts warn that such campaigns, particularly in competitive races, are prime targets for hackers and foreign adversaries. Take Minnesota’s 8th District, one of 10 Toss-up House contests according to Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales, where two Democrats have noticed Russian interest in the open-seat race. Traffic originating from Russia started increasing on Joe Radinovich’s campaign website around the time the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party was conducting its endorsement process in the 8th District in northeastern Minnesota.
“That Russian activity kind of threw up a red flag for us,” said Jordan Hagert, Radinovich’s deputy campaign manager. The campaign turned to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer for advice.
Since then, Radinovich staffers have continued to monitor their website and emails. They have instituted some cybersecurity best practices such as two-step authentication and haven’t detected additional suspicious activity.
Full Article: Campaigns Grapple With Cybersecurity as Russian Threat Looms.