GET READY TO JOIN THOUSANDS OF POWER PLAYERS WHO ARE READING THE PAVLOVIC TODAY! You can now become an exclusive member of our community and support independent journalism.
With these five steps, political campaigns can increase their cybersecurity.
After the DNC hack, cyberattacks have become a new normal especially targeting US political campaigns. A new guide published by the bipartisan Defending Digital Democracy Project (D3P) at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, offers top five checklists for better cybersecurity.
1. Set the Tone
Take cybersecurity seriously. Take responsibility for reducing risk, train your staff, and set the example. Human error is the number one cause of breaches.
2. Use the cloud
A big, commercial cloud service will be much more secure than anything you can set up. Use a cloud-based office suite like GSuite or Microsoft365 that will provide all your basic office functions and a safe place to store information.
3. Use two-factor authentication
Require 2FA for all important accounts, including your office suite, any other email or storage services, and your social media accounts. Use a mobile app or physical key for your second factor, not text messaging.
4. Create strong, long passwords
For your passwords, create SOMETHINGREALLYLONGLIKETHISSTRING, not something really short like Th1$. Contrary to popular belief, a long string of random words without symbols is more difficult to break than something short, with L0t$ 0f $ymB01$. A password manager can help, too.
5. Plan and prepare
Have a plan in case your security is compromised. Know whom to call for technical help, understand your legal obligations, and be ready to communicate internally and externally as rapidly as possible.
You can access the Cybersecurity Campaign Playbook here
This site, like many others, uses small files called cookies to help us improve and customize your experience. Learn more about how we use cookies in our cookie policy.
