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In the immediate aftermath of Israeli intelligence reports on Friday, US Federal officials placed authorities in New York City, Texas and Virginia on high alert over an unspecific threat that the al-Qaida terrorist group may try to carry out an attack on Election Day.

When asked about the alert, the New York City Police Department said the threat lacked specifics and was still being assessed by intelligence agencies and the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Steve Coleman, spokesman for The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said his organization continues with the high levels of patrol it has had in place. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates airports, tunnels and bridges around New York City.

Although some of the attention of U.S. authorities has shifted to Islamic State-inspired attacks, U.S. intelligence agencies still view al-Qaida and its affiliates as a top counterterrorism priority.

In Washington DC, the White House said it was aware of the reported al-Qaida threats and mindful of increased risk of attacks during Election Day.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said his office was monitoring the situation and urged Texans to remain vigilant.

In Virginia, Brian Coy, a spokesman for Governor Terry McAuliffe, said: "We are doing everything we can to keep Virginians safe, and we're confident they are going to be able to vote safely on Election Day."

In Washington, a Homeland Security official said authorities were also concerned that so-called "homegrown" militants could be inspired to carry out attacks on 8 November.

"The public should expect to continue to observe an increased law enforcement and security presence across communities in public places," one official said.

Over the weekend, Washington officials also warned that cyberattacks, both foreign and domestic, may compromise the voting process.

Federal and state authorities are beefing up cyber defenses against electronic threats to voting systems, one official said.

According to an NBC News, US officials are concern that Russia will use its cyber capabilities to try to disrupt the elections.

One U.S. intelligence official told the news network that while Washington does not expect Moscow to attack critical infrastructure -- a potential act of war -- it does anticipate so-called "cyber mischief," designed to spread misinformation among the American public.

A hacker known as "Guccifer 2.0," which U.S. officials believe is a front for Russian intelligence, tweeted a threat to monitor the U.S. elections "from inside the system," the report said.

"The US government is marshaling resources to combat the threat in a way that is without precedent for a presidential election," NBC said.

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This report was written from the primary source of an article published by Israel Hayom at http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=37743