Increased Scrutiny on U.S. Election Technology Security
Congress is taking steps to enhance the cybersecurity measures surrounding U.S. election technology, with a focus on ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
The SECURE IT Act: Strengthening Election Cybersecurity
One of the key initiatives in this endeavor is the Strengthening Election Cybersecurity to Preserve Respect for Elections through Independent Testing (SECURE IT) Act, included in this year’s Intelligence Authorization Act. This act mandates testing of federally certified voting machines, including penetration testing with ballot scanners, and the establishment of a pilot program to investigate potential vulnerabilities in electoral systems.
Addressing Vulnerabilities in Voting Systems
In light of previous instances of foreign interference in U.S. elections, particularly the 2016 election, concerns over the security of voting machines have become more pronounced. Despite improvements in election technology, vulnerabilities still exist, prompting calls for stricter federal standards and independent safety audits.
Promoting Transparency and Security
Under the SECURE IT Act, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) would integrate penetration testing into its certification process, ensuring that voting machines and ballot scanners meet rigorous security standards. Additionally, a vulnerability disclosure program would be piloted for election technology, encouraging cyber experts to identify and report potential flaws in various electoral systems.
Overall, the SECURE IT Act aims to bolster the security of critical election technologies by engaging researchers, enhancing transparency, and fortifying the resilience of U.S. electoral systems against potential cyber threats.
