Global elections in 2024: Internet traffic and cyber threat trends

Severity: Info
Category: Security
Service: Cloudflare

This summary is created by Generative AI and may differ from the actual content.

Overview

The 2024 global elections saw increased cyber threats, Internet shutdowns, and fluctuating traffic patterns. DDoS attacks targeted political campaigns in the United States, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Romania, South Africa, Portugal, Taiwan, and Japan. Internet shutdowns occurred in Comoros, Pakistan, and Mauritius. Traffic fluctuations were observed in Taiwan, Finland, Indonesia, Portugal, Russia, South Korea, India, North Macedonia, Panama, South Africa, Mexico, Iceland, the European Union, Iran, France, the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Mozambique, Georgia, Japan, Botswana, and the United States. Email threats mentioning political candidates also surged.

Impact

Observed rise in DDoS attacks, election-related Internet shutdowns, and fluctuating Internet traffic patterns across numerous countries. Email threats also increased, particularly those mentioning political candidates.

Trigger

Global elections in 2024

Detection

N/A

Resolution

Implemented robust cybersecurity measures, proactive defenses, and closer collaboration between governments, technology providers, and civil society.

Root Cause

Cyberattacks, government-imposed Internet shutdowns, and increased phishing and misinformation.