The Democratic Convention began amidst controversy due to cyber hacks and allegations that Russia is trying to influence the election. DNC Chairwoman, Debbie Wasserman Shultz, resigned due to the Russian interference and the many speculations circling the nature of the hack. These circumstances, while not ideal for the convention, do bring cybersecurity concerns to the forefront.
By picking Tim Kaine (D-VA), Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton solidified that cyber security is on her radar. Kaine has recently developed rhetoric around clarifying the government’s role in responding to potential and already completed cyber threats. He also supports McCaul-Warner encryption commission bill which addresses the issues of protecting national and digital security. Clinton’s policy agenda plans to continue Obama’s Cybersecurity National Action Plan (CNAP) and invest in both cyber technology and research with a hopeful adoption of many new governmental standards.
Building on CNAP, the Democratic platform states that “Democrats will protect our industry, infrastructure, and government from cyber attacks. We will strengthen our cybersecurity, seek to establish global norms in cyberspace and impose consequences on those who violate the rules. We will do this while protecting the privacy and civil liberties of the American people.” Many notable democrats from President Obama to Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), have been active in voicing their concerns around cybersecurity. They continue to be diligent in pursuing policy opportunities to increase cybersecurity and create worldwide regulation and norms. Politicians involved in such policies spoke at the convention with cyber playing a role in their address.