SALEM -- On the heels of fresh voting system failures in Iowa that delayed election results and revived fears about election security, Oregon elections officials declared misinformation and division as the state’s biggest threat to election security.

“Malign (outside) influences targeting our election are among the greatest threats our nation faces,” said Billy Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon at a voting security press conference in the state Capitol. “In some circumstances these efforts can be undermined by educating the public.”

At the press conference, officials from the Oregon Secretary of State’s office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the role skeptical, savvy voters play in combating election threats.

Officials did not speculate on the significance of potential election breaches that took place in Iowa.

“I think we need to wait and see what actually happened,” said Steve Trout, Oregon elections director. “There is nothing to suggest integrity has been compromised. Let’s figure out what the facts are.”

Without naming any specific culprits or what facts they may have twisted, federal and state officials identified fact-bending social media campaigns and other misinformation designed to add to division as ongoing and rampant problems.

“These influences seek to weaken our democracy,” said Loren Cannon, special agent in charge for the Oregon F.B.I. “They are specifically designed to provoke conflict.”

While the murky waters of the internet and implicit risks of misinformation on social media and online platforms were a focus, officials did not offer any specific plans to address these issues with companies such as Facebook. Officials did not report any new threats, but they noted that threats and cyberattacks are growing in sophistication.

“Ransomware, business email compromises – those are becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated,” Williams said.

Trout emphasized the responsibility of citizens to maintain skepticism when consuming media.

“It falls upon all individuals, as informed voters, to protect democracy by not falling for misinformation,” said Trout, echoing a recent statement.

Trout expressed confidence in the security of Oregon’s non-digital vote tabulation system including voter identification and signature checks, noting that Oregon’s mail-in ballot system sidesteps security threats associated with electronic voting systems.

To prepare for upcoming elections in May and November, Trout said the Secretary of State’s office has focused on deepening partnerships amongst county, state and federal officials.

“It’s going to take all of us working together to protect the integrity of 2020 elections,” said Trout.

Trout did not express concern over a ransomware attack in Tillamook County Jan. 22, stating that protective measures had been taken and noting that there was no impact on voter registration.

Regarding possible security risks associated with Oregon citizens abroad casting ballots using fax or email, Trout noted that voting that way is legal and said his office encourages overseas voters to cast ballots by email instead of fax.

The state elections office will host a conference with trainings on election security for county clerks, elections officials, and campaign candidates in the state Capitol Wednesday Feb. 5. Training will include representatives from the FBI and Facebook and will offer tips on how to detect misinformation and best practices for security.

-- Piper McDaniel; amcdaniel@oregonian.com; 503-221-4307; @Piperamcdaniel

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.