CISA Selects Washington Official for Election Security Team
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Kim Wyman, former Secretary of State for Washington, brings a history of implementing cybersecurity practices into election procedures and enjoys support among former agency heads.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency confirmed Tuesday that Kim Wyman will serve as the agency’s senior election security lead.
In this capacity, Wyman will work alongside other Biden administration officials to monitor and ensure the security of U.S. elections as part of the Department of Homeland Security’s broader initiative to protect elections from domestic and foreign interference, along with misinformation.
“Kim’s reputation is second to none and I am personally thrilled to have her lead CISA’s election security efforts,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly in the press announcement. “Kim’s deep knowledge of state and county government will strengthen our partnerships with state and local officials and enable us to expand our outreach to smaller election jurisdictions and private sector partners.”
The past several years have seen Congress and the DHS increase the amount of resources allocated to safeguarding U.S. elections since the 2016 presidential election, which was marred by reports of Russian interference.
Prior to her new appointment, Wyman served as the secretary of state for Washington. In that capacity, she spearheaded the state’s cybersecurity practices and election administration, notably the modernization of the state’s election infrastructure.
Wyman’s role with CISA will focus on working with election officials across the country in a non-partisan manner to promote election security, according to the press release.
“I am honored to be able to share nearly three decades of experience and expertise to support CISA’s efforts to safeguard our election systems from cyber-attacks and enhance the public’s confidence in our elections,” Wyman said in a prepared statement. “As I assume this new role, I remain committed to protecting the integrity of our elections and working closely with local and state elections officials nationwide to bolster this foundational pillar of our democracy.”
The agency has seen high-profile turnover amid the 2020 elections, when former CISA Director Chris Krebs was fired following his dispute with former President Donald Trump over the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election.
Krebs vocalized support for Wyman’s appointment at CISA, writing on Twitter that she is “the real deal and a true professional” who will help CISA “continue to play a key role in defending democracy.”