Every year, billions of people go to the polls to determine their next political leaders. The results of elections around the world, from India to the United States to Europe, shape the geopolitical situation for years to come. Cybercriminals love to exploit important and large-scale events, and elections are no exception.

With every election, there are warnings about disinformation, deep fakes created by artificial intelligence, and possible interference in the electoral process in different countries. However, not only are government agencies and political parties targets, but millions of voters also actively read political news and discuss hot topics online.

This article examines the multifaceted goals of election cyberattacks. 

Goals of cyber attacks during elections

One of the primary objectives of cyber attacks during elections is to manipulate public perception. Disinformation campaigns, spearheaded by state-sponsored actors or independent hacker groups, aim to sow discord and confusion among the electorate. These campaigns often employ social media platforms to spread false information, create fake news, and amplify divisive narratives.

During the 2017 French Presidential Election, hackers leaked a trove of emails from Emmanuel Macron's campaign just days before the election. The data breach, known as "MacronLeaks," involved the theft and public release of thousands of internal documents. While the attack did not ultimately alter the election outcome, it demonstrated the potential for cyber espionage to disrupt and influence electoral processes.

Beyond shaping public opinion, cyber attackers often target the technical infrastructure that supports elections. This can include voter registration databases, voting machines, and election management systems. The goal here is to disrupt the electoral process, either by causing delays, creating confusion, or directly altering vote counts.

Cyber attackers frequently aim to steal sensitive information during elections. This information can include voter data, internal communications of political parties, or confidential documents. The stolen data can then be used for various purposes, such as blackmail, further disinformation, or direct financial gain.

Another significant goal of election-related cyber attacks is to undermine voter confidence in the electoral system. By creating a perception of insecurity and vulnerability, attackers aim to diminish public trust in the legitimacy of election results. This can lead to lower voter turnout, increased skepticism towards elected officials, and overall democratic destabilization.

In some cases, the explicit aim of cyber attacks during elections is to directly influence the outcome. This can involve hacking into voting systems to alter vote counts or manipulating voter registration databases to disenfranchise specific groups of voters.

Cyber attacks during elections can also target political campaigns themselves. By hacking campaign websites, stealing sensitive strategy documents, or launching denial-of-service attacks, malicious actors aim to disrupt the operations and effectiveness of political campaigns.

Lastly, cyber attacks during elections can serve broader economic and geopolitical objectives. By destabilizing a rival nation's political landscape, state-sponsored attackers can gain strategic advantages. This can involve weakening the targeted nation's international standing, creating favorable conditions for economic negotiations, or simply asserting dominance in the cyber domain.

Combating cyber attacks on elections

To combat these multifaceted threats, governments and organizations worldwide have implemented a range of strategies and technologies. Here are some key measures:

Strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure
Investing in robust cybersecurity infrastructure is critical. This includes deploying advanced intrusion detection systems, encrypting sensitive data, and regularly updating software to patch vulnerabilities. Many countries have established dedicated cybersecurity agencies to oversee these efforts. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) plays a crucial role in protecting election infrastructure. CISA collaborates with state and local election officials to provide guidance, resources, and real-time threat intelligence. By fostering partnerships and promoting best practices, CISA helps bolster the resilience of election systems.

Enhancing public awareness
Educating the public about the tactics used in disinformation campaigns is vital. Media literacy programs and public awareness campaigns can help voters identify false information and reduce the impact of manipulative content.

International cooperation
Cyber threats often transcend national borders, making international cooperation essential. Sharing intelligence, collaborating on cybersecurity research, and developing common frameworks for election security are crucial steps in addressing the global nature of these threats. The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) works to enhance the cybersecurity capabilities of EU member states. ENISA provides expertise, conducts training exercises, and facilitates cooperation among nations to improve the security of electoral processes across Europe.

Implementing auditable voting systems and promoting transparency
Adopting voting systems that provide a verifiable paper trail can help ensure the integrity of election results. Post-election audits can detect and address any discrepancies, bolstering public confidence in the electoral process. Transparency in the electoral process is essential to maintaining public trust. Governments and election officials should communicate openly about the measures in place to secure elections and the steps taken to address any incidents. Estonia is a pioneer in digital voting, having implemented a secure online voting system since 2005. The system uses advanced encryption and authentication methods to ensure the security and integrity of votes. Additionally, Estonia provides transparency through public access to audit logs and extensive voter education.

Final thoughts 

Cyber attacks during elections are a real threat to democratic processes worldwide. Understanding the diverse objectives of malicious actors, from manipulating public perception to disrupting electoral infrastructure, is crucial for developing effective defenses.

By strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure, enhancing public awareness, fostering international cooperation, implementing auditable voting systems, and promoting transparency, we can better protect the integrity of elections. As technology continues to advance, so too must our strategies to safeguard our most fundamental democratic processes from cyber threats.

If you have access to the internet, you’ve likely heard about “Hamster Kombat,” a game that has caused quite a stir worldwide. Alongside its not-so-obvious financial prospects and the risk of wasting your time, there are significant cybersecurity risks to be aware of. This article delves into the cybersecurity risks that users of Hamster Kombat and similar clicker games face.

What are clicker games and what makes them unique?

Clicker games, also known as incremental games, revolve around the repetitive action of tapping the screen to earn in-game currency. The coins you collect can be spent on upgrades that speed up the earning process or even automate it entirely. When the game runs in the background without any player input, it is often referred to as an “idle game.” These games are designed for endless progression and level advancement without demanding constant attention.

The appeal of clicker games dates back to 2013, when they first captured the public’s interest due to their simplicity and ability to provide a welcome distraction from daily life. Fast forward to 2024, and we see the resurgence of this genre with the introduction of Hamster Kombat, popularly known as the “hamster game.” 

The creators promised that the in-game currency could eventually be exchanged for real money once the Hamster Kombat coin was listed on a cryptocurrency exchange. Other clicker games like Yescoin, Blum, TapSwap, BIRD, 1WIN Token, and MemeFI have also emerged, each offering potential earning opportunities.

The risks faced

One of the main risks is phishing by the developers of clicker games. There have been instances where individuals join such projects and are asked to authenticate on phishing sites to “verify their Telegram account.” This can compromise the user’s Telegram account, exposing personal conversations and potentially leading to further phishing campaigns. For example, the compromised account could be used to send phishing links to all contacts.

In some projects, users are asked to enter their seed phrase to recover access to their cryptocurrency wallet. This is often presented as necessary for linking the wallet and withdrawing cryptocurrency. Unfortunately, this results in users losing all the cryptocurrency stored in the compromised wallet.

Another risk involves installing malicious software disguised as tasks or upgrades for the game account. Users may be prompted to “install an app on your smartphone to mine 30% more coins.” 

Such software can compromise the security of the user’s device, leading to data theft or unauthorized access to personal information.

In the least harmful scenarios, fraudulent projects result in wasted time and pointless task completion. Players receive no payments, while scammers profit from their subscriptions to external Telegram channels.An illustrative example is Hamster Kombat, where a hacker claimed to have exploited a vulnerability. By manipulating the game’s web version on Telegram, the hacker was able to earn all the in-game currency instantly by inputting the desired values into the browser console. This exploit highlights the importance of robust security measures and the potential risks associated with online games.

Information security threats in mobile gaming

Mobile gaming is not immune to cyber threats. There are several ways cybercriminals can attack users, categorized into risks related to users and those associated with irresponsible developers.

User-related risks include phishing, social engineering, malware, and client-side attacks. Phishing involves tricking users into divulging personal information by pretending to be a legitimate service. Social engineering manipulates users into performing actions or sharing confidential information. Malware can be introduced through malicious apps or updates, compromising the device’s security. Client-side attacks exploit vulnerabilities in the user’s device or applications.

Developer-related risks involve non-compliance with information security standards, unethical data collection, lack of security updates, exploitation of known vulnerabilities, and selling user data to third-party companies. 

Indeed, developers may not adhere to industry standards for data protection, leading to vulnerabilities. Unethical data collection practices can result in excessive user data being harvested and sold. A lack of security updates can leave applications vulnerable to attacks. 

Known vulnerabilities may be exploited if not addressed promptly, and user data may be sold without consent.

Additionally, game developers themselves may be dishonest and share user data with third parties. Popular games attracting hundreds of thousands of users are an enticing target for cybercriminals.

How to protect yourself

Using strong passwords is a fundamental step in protecting your online accounts. Ensure your passwords are complex and unique to each account, making them harder to guess or crack.

Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an additional layer of security. Where possible, enable 2FA for your accounts. This adds a second step to the login process, typically involving a code sent to your phone or email, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access.

Avoiding suspicious links and offers is crucial. Be cautious of links and offers that seem too good to be true. These can often be phishing attempts designed to steal your personal information or credentials. Regularly updating your operating system and apps is essential for mitigating known vulnerabilities. Software updates often include security patches that protect against the latest threats. Ensure your devices and applications are always up to date.

Verifying the authenticity of requests for personal information or credentials can prevent phishing attacks. Always double-check the source of such requests and ensure they are legitimate before providing any information. Installing reliable antivirus software can help detect and prevent malware infections. Choose a reputable antivirus solution and keep it updated to protect your device from malicious software.

Additional cybersecurity measures

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can add a layer of security by masking your IP address and encrypting your internet connection, making it harder for cybercriminals to track your online activities. VPNs are especially useful when accessing public Wi-Fi networks, which are often less secure.

Regularly backing up your data ensures that you have copies of your important information in case of a cyber attack or data loss incident. Store backups in a secure location, separate from your main devices, to protect against ransomware and other threats.

Always use secure, encrypted connections (HTTPS) when entering personal information online to protect your data from being intercepted. Check for the padlock icon in the address bar to ensure the connection is secure.

Staying informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and how to counter them is crucial. Participate in cybersecurity training and stay updated with reliable sources of cybersecurity news. Knowledge is a powerful tool in protecting yourself from cyber threats. Regularly monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity. Early detection can help mitigate the damage caused by unauthorized access. Set up alerts for unusual account activity and review your account statements regularly.

The future of clicker games and cybersecurity

As clicker games continue to evolve, so will the methods used by cybercriminals. Developers and players alike must remain vigilant and adopt robust security practices. The integration of blockchain technology in these games presents new opportunities and challenges. While blockchain can enhance security through decentralized and transparent processes, it also introduces complexities that require careful management.

One emerging trend is the use of smart contracts in blockchain-based games. Smart contracts can automate and secure transactions, but they are also susceptible to vulnerabilities if not properly coded. Ensuring that smart contracts are audited by cybersecurity experts is essential to prevent exploits.

Final thoughts 

Clicker games, while entertaining, come with a variety of cybersecurity risks. Users must remain vigilant and practice good cybersecurity hygiene to protect their personal information and devices. By being aware of these risks and taking proactive measures, players can enjoy these games without compromising their security.