You’ll never know they were there, but a division of the Colorado National Guard will be looking for anyone who tries to cause cyber trouble during the general election.

Gov. Jared Polis activated four to six Guard’s Defensive Cyber Operations Element members to assist with election cybersecurity defense. The unit goes into action on Thursday and will remain on watch for the next thirty days.

Polis’ executive order spells out what they’re looking for.

The order said Colorado’s online voter registration system is protected by security features to maintain confidentiality and prevent interference, including tampering with data.

However, “even with such security features, online voter registration systems could provide an avenue for cyber actors to gain unlawful access to voter registration databases.” Voter registration databases in other states “have been compromised by cyber actors hacking into various systems.” While these “cyber actors” cannot modify voter records, breaches could result in the release of voter data, the order explained.

“The exposure of voters’ personally identifiable information does not threaten the integrity of our State elections, but it could undermine public confidence in the system and suppress voter registration. The Colorado National Guard Defensive Cyber Operations Element has unique cyber capabilities to assist in protecting critical election infrastructure.”

The cyber operations team comprises Army and Air personnel, who protect critical state infrastructure and respond to state cyberspace emergencies, according to a 2021 statement from the Guard.

This is the third time cybersecurity team has been activated this year. It was first asked to help with the presidential primary in March and with the June primary. The unit’s service during election season goes back at least to 2016. 

County clerks will begin mailing ballots on Friday, Oct. 11.