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"We
remain concerned about interference coming from Russia, China
and Iran," the official said in a phone briefing with reporters
to discuss federal government plans to help secure the Nov. 6
elections.
The official provided no details about specific threats of
foreign influence during the call, but said the intelligence
community is prepared to identify individuals who meddle in the
voting process.
U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia meddled in
the 2016 presidential election in a bid to bolster support for
Donald Trump and have more recently accused Moscow of seeking to
influence the outcome of next week's congressional elections.
Russia has denied the allegations.
Trump last month accused China of meddling in the election while
speaking at the United Nations. He did not provide evidence to
support his claim and Beijing has denied the charges.
Trump signed an executive order in September allowing the
government to sanction any individual or company found to be
interfering in the election through either hacking or
disinformation efforts.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Justice Department,
Department of Homeland Security and intelligence will contribute
to efforts for thwarting digital attacks on the election,
officials said on the call. The White House will coordinate with
these agencies through its National Security Council.
The Justice Department is also planning to launch an "election
interference command post" on election day to help the FBI
rapidly communicate with its different field offices around the
country, a second senior administration official said.
(Reporting by Christopher Bing; editing by Jim Finkle and Bill
Berkrot)
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