Watchdog Issues Warning: Cyber Criminals Could Interfere in Australia’s Election

With the federal election scheduled before May 17, the Election Integrity Assurance Taskforce (EIAT) has identified four threat vectors that could affect the election: foreign interference, physical security, cyber security, and misinformation and disinformation.

The taskforce has highlighted that certain foreign powers are interested in influencing the legitimacy of election results or undermining the concept of democracy by targeting candidates or spreading misinformation to voters.

Although attempts to interfere in democratic processes are common, the taskforce emphasizes that ‘successful interference is not,’ thus ensuring that Australia’s elections remain ‘free and fair.’

It emphasizes the challenge of identifying individuals or groups engaging in these actions and their potential links to foreign powers which may not be immediately obvious.

The taskforce also points out that while disinformation by foreign powers or cybercriminals constitutes foreign interference, ‘most disinformation does not involve a foreign power.’

Deepfakes May be Deployed

The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake images, audio, and videos necessitates Australians to critically evaluate the information they consume and consider its source.

This year, the Australian Electoral Commission will provide voters with resources including its digital media literacy campaign, Stop and Consider.

Physical security is also a growing concern, with large-scale anti-government protests and increased threats towards federal parliamentarians and government officials becoming more prevalent.

The taskforce notes the rise in criminal activities targeting federal parliamentarians, including damage to their offices and threats, emphasizing the importance of parliamentarians being able to function without fear of harm for the preservation of Australian democracy.

The security environment is described as ‘complex, challenging, and evolving,’ with an increase in anti-government extremism and the use of technology to spread messages of hate and violence at a rapid pace.

While there was no evidence of interference in the previous election in 2022, the recent term of parliament has seen a rise in threats against high-profile MPs, with reports against elected officials almost doubling in the past year.

The taskforce warns that challenges to social cohesion and the acceptance of conspiracy theories can create an environment conducive to developing grievances but underscores the importance of ensuring that election processes are not the target of these grievances.