ES&S and CISA collaborate in election security exercise in Omaha, Sept 2024

On September 11, 2024, Election Systems & Software (ES&S) hosted a tabletop exercise in Omaha, Nebraska, in collaboration with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service, to simulate potential security threats during the election cycle. Scenarios such as cyberattacks and system disruptions were explored to enhance readiness and improve communication among partners. The exercise aimed to strengthen the defenses of election infrastructure and ensure that the systems provided by ES&S remain resilient against emerging threats. Tom Burt, President and CEO of ES&S, emphasized the company's commitment to protecting the integrity of elections and highlighted the importance of collaboration with federal, state, and local partners. Cait Conley, CISA Advisor to the Director, noted that the exercise exemplified the partnership between CISA and election infrastructure stakeholders, reinforcing the federal government's support for the election security community. This collaboration is crucial in an increasingly complex threat environment, aiming to bolster public confidence in the electoral process. Chris Wlaschin, ES&S SVP of Security/CISO, reiterated the importance of these exercises in ensuring robust, secure, and compliant systems. The proactive approach taken by ES&S in identifying vulnerabilities and enhancing rapid response capabilities is vital for maintaining the trust of voters and election officials, ultimately contributing to the security and resilience of the democratic process.