Trump vs. Harris on Cybersecurity: Where They Stand in the 2024 Presidential Election

Comparing Donald Trump and Kamala Harris’s Cybersecurity Records and 2024 Campaign Agendas: National Security, Data Privacy, and the Future of Digital Threat Defense

As the 2024 presidential election draws near, many issues are up for debate—such as the economy, inflation, and education—but cybersecurity has become a critical priority. With increasing cyber threats to national infrastructure, data privacy concerns, and a rapidly evolving digital landscape, voters need to understand where each candidate stands on these issues. Let’s explore the records and positions of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on cybersecurity, examining both their past actions and their future agendas.

Donald Trump’s Cybersecurity Record and 2024 Agenda

Cybersecurity During Trump’s First Term (2017-2021) 

During Donald Trump’s presidency, cybersecurity was closely tied to broader national security issues. His administration emphasized protecting critical infrastructure, especially from foreign adversaries such as China, Russia, and North Korea. President Trump created a role of Undersecretary for cybersecurity in the State Department that was responsible to driving American interested in the space with allies and adversaries alike. This role still exists today.

1. Focus on Foreign Threats: Trump's cybersecurity strategy was centered on defending against cyberattacks from nation-state actors. His administration worked to secure critical sectors like energy and finance, which were seen as high-risk targets for cyber threats. President Trump authorized several preemptive cybersecurity

2. Executive Orders: In May 2017, Trump signed an executive order mandating that federal agencies adopt the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework. This action was designed to modernize federal IT systems and improve risk management across federal networks.

3. Public-Private Partnerships: Trump’s administration encouraged closer collaboration between the government and the private sector to strengthen cybersecurity defenses. Initiatives were put in place to share information about cyber threats more effectively and spur innovation in cybersecurity technologies.

2024 Campaign Focus 

For the upcoming election, Trump’s cybersecurity platform continues to prioritize national security:

1. National Security Emphasis: Trump's campaign emphasizes the importance of bolstering defenses against cyber adversaries, particularly state-sponsored attacks. His tough stance on foreign threats aligns with his previous efforts to counter cyber espionage and interference from countries like China and Iran through tough diplomacy and sanctions.

2. Defense Infrastructure: He proposes strengthening the United States’ military defenses, including integrating cybersecurity into missile defense systems to guard against cyber-enabled attacks on military infrastructure.

3. Countering Foreign Influence: Trump continues to push for stricter measures against Chinese tech companies and proposes enhanced regulations to scrutinize foreign investments in U.S. technology firms, aiming to prevent intellectual property theft and espionage.

Summary of Trump’s Stance 

Trump’s cybersecurity approach centers around national security, protecting critical infrastructure, and fighting foreign threats. His platform also reflects a focus on bolstering public-private cooperation to enhance the country’s overall cybersecurity posture.

Kamala Harris’s Cybersecurity Record and Vision

Harris’s Record in Cybersecurity 

Vice President Kamala Harris has a history in public service, where cybersecurity has been a theme in her work. Her record includes efforts to protect consumer privacy and election infrastructure. During the last 4 years we have seen many advanced cyberattacks against the United States, the latest hinting China’s attack on the US wiretap telecom system.

1. Attorney General of California (2011-2017): As Attorney General, Harris placed significant emphasis on consumer privacy and data protection. She bolstered California’s Data Breach Notification Law, ensuring that businesses were required to notify consumers of any breaches involving their personal data. She also created the Privacy Enforcement and Protection Unit, which focused on enforcing privacy laws and addressing cybercrime.

2. U.S. Senator (2017-2021): Harris co-sponsored the Secure Elections Act, a bipartisan effort to enhance the cybersecurity of U.S. voting systems by securing election infrastructure and requiring paper ballot backups. Her work in the Senate focused on protecting critical infrastructure from foreign interference.

Vice President and the Biden Administration 

As Vice President, Harris has been actively involved in shaping the Biden administration’s cybersecurity and technology policies:

1. Responding to Major Cyberattacks: Following the SolarWinds hack—an attack attributed to Russian actors—Harris took a prominent role in advocating for stronger cybersecurity measures across federal agencies. The attack underscored the need for better defense mechanisms in protecting government networks from cyber intrusions.

2. AI and Cybersecurity: Harris has been at the forefront of efforts to regulate AI technologies in a manner that prioritizes privacy and accountability. Additionally, Harris has called for transparency in AI tools used by government agencies, making it a cornerstone of her cybersecurity agenda.

2024 Cybersecurity Agenda 

In her 2024 campaign, Harris continues to push for stronger cybersecurity policies, focusing on the intersection of cybersecurity and emerging technologies:

1. Privacy and Data Protection: Harris has been a vocal advocate for enhancing data protection laws.

2. Election Security: Given her history of promoting election infrastructure security, Harris is expected to continue advocating for safeguards against foreign interference and cyberattacks on voting systems.

3. AI and Emerging Tech: Harris’s commitment to regulating AI technologies reflects her broader focus on privacy and accountability.

Summary of Harris’s Stance 

Harris’s cybersecurity approach revolves around privacy, data protection, and regulating emerging technologies like AI. Her track record shows a commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure, ensuring election integrity, and enhancing transparency in the use of digital tools.

Conclusion: Contrasting Trump and Harris on Cybersecurity

While both candidates recognize the importance of cybersecurity, their approaches reflect different priorities. Donald Trump’s focus is on national security, protecting critical infrastructure, and countering foreign adversaries. He views cybersecurity through the lens of defense and national protection. On the other hand, Kamala Harris emphasizes consumer privacy, data protection, and responsible technology governance. Her approach is more focused on the regulation of emerging technologies like AI.

Voters will have to consider which cybersecurity agenda aligns best with their concerns for the country’s future in an increasingly interconnected and digital world.