CISA’s Election Security Initiative (ESI) is hosting a series of virtual trainings for election infrastructure stakeholders later this month. Held from August 25 to 28 and September 1 to 4, the series will cover election security topics relevant to election officials as they make their final preparations for the November general elections, including ransomware, risk management, public communications, and relevant CISA resources and services. Week 1 and Week 2 will cover the same material and participants may join for any combination of the trainings over the two weeks.

The session on Friday, September 4 is titled “Public Communications in a Dynamic Election Environment”.

Session Description: Communication challenges faced by election officials in the post-2016 environment have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to providing trusted information in an environment of heightened concerns regarding cybersecurity threats to election infrastructure, foreign interference, and mis- and disinformation campaigns, election officials must also communicate accurate, up-to-date information on the new and rapidly changing election processes resulting from the pandemic. This training covers the types of content election officials may want to provide, people who may be able to assist with distributing accurate information, and communication methods. The session also provides resources, services, and best practices to manage public communications risks.

Presenters: Jennifer Morrell, CISA Election Security Expert Consultant; Matt Crane, CISA Election Security Expert Consultant

If you experience any difficulties with registration, please contact Kathryn Babbin at Kathryn.Babbin@cisa.dhs.gov.

Register for Other Sessions Below:

Week 1

Tuesday, August 25, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT - Election Security Risk in Focus: Ransomware https://www.eventbrite.com/e/116482932587

Thursday, August 27, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT - Managing Risk in a Dynamic Election Environment https://www.eventbrite.com/e/116493255463

Friday, August 28, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT - Public Communications in a Dynamic Election Environment https://www.eventbrite.com/e/116499795023

Week 2

Tuesday, September 1, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EDT - Election Security Risk in Focus: Ransomware https://www.eventbrite.com/e/116490854281

Wednesday, September 2, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EDT - Managing Risk in a Dynamic Election Environment https://www.eventbrite.com/e/116497161145

Note:

In addition to this national training series, CISA is offering these trainings at the individual state level as well (e.g., via state election offices or state associations of local election officials). Training content can be tailored upon request, depending on stakeholder needs. Interested stakeholders should contact David Kuennen at david.kuennen@cisa.dhs.gov.

Week 2 - Public Communications in a Dynamic Election Environment