Wisconsin Elections Targeted By Russian Hackers

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says Wisconsin’s voter registration system was unsuccessfully targeted by Russian hackers.

Wisconsin was one of 21 states notified Friday of the attempted hacking. Wisconsin Elections Commission administrator Michael Haas says the attempted hack had no effect on Wisconsin’s systems or the outcome of the election.

Haas said security provided by the state successfully protected Wisconsin’s systems. And he said the Department of Homeland Security confirmed there was no breach or compromise of Wisconsin’s data.

According to the state Elections Commission, DHS told it that Russian hackers scanned Wisconsin’s internet-connected election infrastructure likely seeking specific vulnerabilities such as access to voter registration databases.

Haas said he is seeking more information from Homeland Security.

It was reported earlier Friday that Wisconsin elections officials are putting together a formal security plan in advance of next fall’s election.

The elections commission plans to work together with federal, state and local elections officials on the plan to prevent any security breaches. The move comes as federal investigators, and the Senate Judiciary Committee, investigate Russia’s meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Wisconsin Elections Commission assistant administrator Meagan McCord Wolfe said the state is creating the security planning team to prepare for 2018 and in response to the ongoing national conversation about election security.

A draft is expected to be done in December with a final plan to be done in early 2018.