As the world gears up for a year of elections, concerns are mounting about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) to interfere with voting processes and manipulate public opinion. Hackers are increasingly employing AI to launch cyberattacks on politicians and election campaigns, posing a significant threat to democratic integrity.
A report by Mandiant, commissioned by Google Cloud, highlights the diverse array of threats that could be exploited by various actors, including state agencies, cybercriminals, and political hackers.
With over 2 billion voters expected to cast ballots worldwide this year, over 50 countries holding elections face the urgent need to monitor the evolving threats to democratic elections.
Election-related infrastructure attacks may encompass not only traditional hacking activities but also disinformation campaigns aimed at manipulating public opinion and the entire electoral process. Organizations working for selected state agencies, such as those in China and North Korea, possess the greatest potential to disrupt elections. However, cybercriminals and so-called political hackers also pose a significant threat.