---
title: CISA + FBI PSA: phishing/smishing targeting election and campaign officials ahead of 2026 midterms | ctxsec
url: https://ctxsec.com/items/cisa-fbi-election-phishing-psa-2026-10
description: ""
status: "confirmed (CISA/FBI)"
published: 2026-10-16
---

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[← Industry News](/industry) · [markdown](/items/cisa-fbi-election-phishing-psa-2026-10.md)

confirmed (CISA/FBI)

2026-10-16

### CISA + FBI PSA: phishing/smishing targeting election and campaign officials ahead of 2026 midterms

CISA and the FBI refreshed guidance for the 2026 U.S. midterm cycle: malicious cyber actors may use phishing and smishing (and increasingly AI-polished email, text, audio, and imagery) to steal login credentials and other sensitive information from election officials, candidates, and political organizations. CISA's PSA page urges those audiences and the public to follow recommended cybersecurity practices and stay vigilant for suspicious emails and mobile messages. Separately, FBI IC3 PSA I-101526-3-PSA (Oct 15) warns scammers are exploiting the midterms for contribution fraud, fake merchandise, and fake voter-registration pages that harvest PII. Defenders supporting campaigns/election offices: harden MFA, verify out-of-band before acting on credential or fund requests, and report to IC3 / local FBI.

Sources: [CISA PSA: techniques targeting election/campaign officials](https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/cyber-threat-actors-use-variety-techniques-target-election-and-campaign-officials) · [CISA X post (Oct 16)](https://x.com/CISAgov/status/2111103594778808471) · [FBI IC3 PSA I-101526-3-PSA (Oct 15)](https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2026/PSA261015-3)