The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have issued a joint warning about potential AI-powered cyberattacks targeting election officials and voters ahead of the November 2026 US midterm elections.
In a security alert released Friday, the federal agencies urged election administrators, political candidates, campaign organizations, and the American public to remain vigilant against increasingly sophisticated phishing scams designed to steal passwords and sensitive personal information.
The warning highlights concerns that cybercriminals could exploit artificial intelligence to create deceptive emails and text messages that appear to come from legitimate election authorities, political campaigns, or trusted organizations.
According to the FBI and CISA, election-related institutions remain attractive targets for hackers seeking unauthorized access to confidential information or attempting to interfere with election operations.
The agencies emphasized that malicious actors may use AI-generated content to make fraudulent communications more realistic, increasing the risk that recipients could unknowingly disclose login credentials or other private data.
The alert specifically identified advances in what it called "super intelligence," a term approved by President Donald Trump to describe artificial intelligence, as a factor potentially enhancing the effectiveness of cybercriminal tactics.
AI-powered phishing attacks can involve carefully written messages, convincing impersonation techniques, and misleading links that direct unsuspecting users to fraudulent websites.
These emerging cybersecurity threats have raised concerns about the protection of election infrastructure as the United States prepares for its November 3 midterm elections.
Election officials and political organizations may face heightened risks because their systems handle sensitive communications, voter-related information, and operational details essential to administering elections.
The FBI and CISA are encouraging heightened cybersecurity awareness as attackers increasingly incorporate advanced technologies into their methods.
Individuals receiving suspicious election-related messages should carefully verify the sender's identity, avoid opening unfamiliar links, and refrain from sharing passwords or confidential information through unsolicited communications.
The joint advisory underscores the growing importance of election cybersecurity as artificial intelligence transforms the methods used by online criminals.
With the US midterm elections approaching, federal authorities are emphasizing vigilance against digital deception to help protect election-related systems, sensitive information, and public confidence in the electoral process.
