As election season approaches, the excitement of participating in democracy can be overshadowed by the rise of sophisticated scams targeting unsuspecting voters. 

With cybercriminals constantly evolving their tactics, it’s essential to stay informed about the various schemes that could compromise your personal information or mislead you regarding your voting rights.

From fake voter registration offers to deceptive robocalls, these scams can take many forms, making it crucial for you to recognize the signs and protect yourself. We’ll explore four common election-related scams and provide tips to help you navigate this critical time with confidence and security.

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1. Voter registration scams

Scammers often pose as voter registration officials, offering to register you over the phone or through unsolicited links. These tactics are designed to steal personal information or install malware on your devices.

How to protect yourself:

You should never register to vote via phone, email or text because registration is only possible online, by mail or in person at a local election office. It is advisable to avoid using unsolicited links for online registration and to register at a government location or by mail instead. Additionally, you should be cautious at voter registration drives and ensure your information is securely handled.

American flags and vote buttons (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2. Robocalls

Robocalls featuring AI-generated voices can spread misinformation or solicit fraudulent donations. These calls may impersonate politicians or provide false voting information.

How to protect yourself:

You should verify any information from robocalls with your local election office. If you receive a call that attempts to influence your vote or solicit donations, it is best to hang up. Furthermore, you should be wary of unexpected calls from politicians or celebrities, as scammers may use deepfake technology.

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Vote button (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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3. Donation scams

Scammers may impersonate political campaigns or PACs to solicit fake donations. They often use high-pressure tactics and emotional appeals to trick you into giving money.

How to protect yourself:

If you want to donate, you should do so directly through candidates’ official websites or local campaign offices. It is important not to trust Caller ID, as scammers can spoof legitimate numbers. If you encounter any suspicious PACs, you should report them to the Federal Election Commission and contact your local FBI office if targeted.

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Man handing out American flags (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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4. Fake surveys, petitions and polls

Scammers use fake surveys or petitions to collect personal information under the guise of political research. They may offer prizes to entice participation, only to request sensitive information later.

How to protect yourself:

Legitimate surveys may ask for your voting intentions or demographic information, but they should not request sensitive data like your Social Security number. You should avoid clicking on survey links from unsolicited emails or texts. If a survey or poll offers a prize, you should decline participation, especially if it requires a credit card number.

EXPOSED: 75% OF US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HAVE PERSONAL DATA UP FOR GRABS ONLINE

“I voted” stickers (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Additional tips to protect your personal information and devices

In addition to being aware of common election scams, it’s essential to take proactive steps to safeguard your personal information and devices. Here are some effective strategies to enhance your security during this critical time:

Beware of phishing techniques used by scammers: Be cautious of unsolicited political emails, texts or calls that ask for personal information or prompt you to click on links. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. 

Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. By requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message or authentication app, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts.

Keep software updated: Regularly updating your operating system, apps and browsers helps patch security vulnerabilities that scammers may exploit. Set your devices to automatically install updates whenever possible to ensure you always have the latest security features.

Use strong, unique passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Avoid using easily guessable information, such as birthdays or common words. Consider using a password manager to help you generate and store complex passwords securely.

Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: When accessing sensitive information, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be less secure.

Implementing these protective measures can enhance your security and reduce the risk of falling victim to scams during election season. Staying informed and vigilant is your best defense against cyberthreats.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Staying vigilant during election season is crucial to protecting your personal information and ensuring your voice is heard. By recognizing these common scams and following the outlined protective measures, you can safeguard yourself against fraudulent activities. Always verify any election-related communication with official sources and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

In your opinion, what role should technology play in combating election scams? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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A team of computer scientists found that wireless gear-shifting systems in high-end bikes are vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks that could undermine popular races like the Tour de France.

Wireless gear-shift systems are meant to give riders better control of their bikes, according to the University of California San Diego, whose researchers collaborated with those from Northeastern University on the study. But the modernization also introduces a new set of problems in the form of hacking vulnerabilities. Those weak points could be exploited “to gain an unfair advantage, potentially causing crashes or injuries by manipulating gear shifts or jamming the shifting operation,” the researchers wrote.

The group specifically looked into bikes with Shimano Di2 wireless gear-shifting technology, which it called the “market leader.” According to UC San Diego, the system works “by deploying wireless links between the gear shifters controlled by the riders and the device that moves chains between gears on the bike, called a derailleur.” By recording and then retransmitting those commands, researchers found they were able to perform an attack from up to 10 meters away with “off the shelf devices.” They also found it’s possible to disable gear shifting for one particular bike with a targeted jamming attack, rather than impacting all surrounding ones.

The researchers are now working with Shimano to patch the vulnerabilities, UC San Diego says, and the company has already started using some of their suggested countermeasures. Shimano did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“The history of professional cycling’s struggles with illegal performance-enhancing drugs underscores the appeal of such undetectable attacks, which could similarly compromise the sport’s integrity,” the researchers say. “Given these risks, it is essential to adopt an adversary’s viewpoint and ensure that this technology can withstand motivated attackers in the highly competitive environment of professional cycling.”

Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Forget drones, this street-smart robot could be future of local deliveries

– US, UK and Australia take next step in integrating AI defense systems

– Maria Bartiromo interviews lifelike artificial intelligence clone

EATING FROM ROBOTS: In recent years, the e-commerce landscape has transformed dramatically, with delivery drones and robots emerging as pivotal innovations. Vayu Robotics has introduced its first delivery robot, “The One,” which aims to revolutionize how goods are delivered. Let’s explore the features of Vayu’s robot, its implications for the future of delivery services and its broader impact on the e-commerce industry.

INTEGRATED: The latest technology integrating artificial intelligence with unmanned aerial vehicles in “contested environments” has passed the test following trials conducted by the U.S., U.K. and Australia’s military alliance, AUKUS, officials said Friday.

BOT OR NOT?: Delphi co-founder and CEO Dara Ladjevardian designed an artificial intelligence clone of himself that told FOX Business host Maria Bartiromo all about itself.

Maria Bartiromo spoke with Dara Ladjevardian, co-founder and CEO of Delphi.  (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

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