Election officials say steps taken to improve cybersecurity

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut election officials say steps have been taken to protect to the integrity of the vote next week.

Democratic Secretary of the State Denise Merrill said Thursday her office has been working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, and the State Election Enforcement Commission to provide an additional layer of security to Connecticut’s election cybersecurity infrastructure.

Besides 24-hour monitoring, she says risk and vulnerability testing has also been conducted to ensure “that our election systems are prepared for potential cyber-attacks.” Connecticut’s voting machines are not connected to the internet.

Connecticut was informed it was among the 21 states targeted for possible hacking in 2016.

Merrill is seeking re-election. She’s being challenged by former Fairfield First Selectman Susan Chapman.