Can Computer Voting Be Hacked! | Election Security
As the 2024 presidential election nears, concerns about computer voting security are rising. Studies show that 41.7% of articles reviewed talk about hacking risks in voting tech1. This highlights the need to fix electronic voting system flaws and protect our democracy.
Articles often mention “voting machine,” showing the public’s interest in voting risks1. The debate over hand-counted versus machine-counted ballots is also growing. Hand-counting supporters were mentioned in 14 articles, while 23 articles discussed machine-counting1.
Election fraud claims have resurfaced, worrying voters even more about voting system security1. Cybersecurity worries in election results were mentioned in 5 articles from 2018 and 2020. This shows the urgent need for strong security to safeguard our democracy1.
Key Takeaways
- Significant concerns exist about the potential for hacking and vulnerabilities in computer voting systems.
- The debate between hand-counted and machine-counted ballots continues, with advocates on both sides.
- Resurgence of election fraud claims and cybersecurity concerns further amplify the need for secure voting processes.
- Ongoing efforts to identify and address vulnerabilities in voting machines, including through initiatives like the DEF CON Voting Village.
- Importance of paper trails and audits to ensure the integrity of election results.
The Threat of Disinformation and Cyber Attacks
Malicious actors are a big threat to U.S. elections. They spread disinformation and launch cyber attacks. These actions aim to shake public trust in elections and question the results2.
Malicious Actors Spreading False Information
Tina Peters, a former Colorado clerk, was sentenced to nine years for tampering with voting tech in 2020. This shows the harm of such actions2. But, most ballots this year will be on paper, making voting safer and more reliable2.
A 2023 poll by Monmouth University showed 30 percent of Americans doubt Biden’s win due to fraud. This includes 68 percent of Republicans. It shows how disinformation affects people’s views and why we must fight it3.
FBI and CISA’s Role in Protecting Election Infrastructure
The FBI and CISA are teaming up to fight these threats. They aim to educate people about disinformation, help spot and report suspicious activity, and share accurate election info2.
But, worries about voting machine security still exist. J. Alex Halderman showed how easy it is to hack a voting machine. Dominion Voting Systems has updated its software to fix these issues, used in states like Georgia3.
The fight against disinformation and cyber attacks is ongoing. The work of the FBI, CISA, and election officials is key to keeping elections safe and fair23.,
Can Computer Voting Be Hacked!
Debunking Voter Fraud Concerns
For years, people have worried about “vote switching” or “vote flipping” by voting machines. But experts say these worries are usually because of mistakes, not hacking4. In states like Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee, officials have said these problems come from voters, not machines4.
Voting machines might have some weak spots, but there’s no proof of big hacks or changes to votes4. Experts tell us to double-check our votes before we cast them. This way, we make sure our choices are right.
Election Officials’ Responses to Viral Claims
Election officials are working hard to fight off false information5. They say almost every vote in the 2020 election had a paper record. This record can help get an accurate count, even if there are problems or cyberattacks5.
The U.S. government has also stepped in. They’ve made election systems a top priority. This means free checks for security and tests for weaknesses by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency5.
Colorado shows us how serious they are about keeping votes safe4. Their voting computers are made by Dell and set up by Dominion Voting Systems. And, no voting equipment in Colorado is ever connected to the internet, thanks to Rule 20.5.3 of their Election Laws4.
Colorado also made it a serious crime to mess with voting equipment or share passwords online4. Election law expert Doug Spencer says the laws against tampering are very strict4.
“The seriousness of tampering with election equipment and the strict laws in place to protect against voter fraud cannot be overstated,” says Colorado election law expert Doug Spencer4.
Vulnerabilities in Voting Machines
Voting machines, like any tech, face potential vulnerabilities. But election officials work hard to fix these issues and keep the voting process safe6. They say problems like frozen screens or jammed scanners are more common than hacking6.
They use tests before and after voting, paper records, and audits to find and fix problems7.
Potential Security Risks and Safeguards
Keeping voting machines secure is a big deal. Experts are always looking for and fixing potential weaknesses8. Since 2017, the DEF CON hacker conference has been testing voting machines for security8.
They’ve found issues in machines since 2007, showing the ongoing risks of old devices8. If a hacker gets close, they could use a USB drive to mess with the vote count, damaging the system’s reputation8.
Election officials keep voting systems updated and checked regularly7. In Texas, most voters won’t use old voting machines without paper trails, unlike in 20207. By 2026, all Texas machines must have a paper trail, thanks to a 2021 law7.
These steps, along with paper records and audits, help keep voting safe and fair7.
Even with real threats, officials and experts are tackling these issues head-on to protect our voting systems678.
The Importance of Paper Ballots and Audits
Experts say hand-marked paper ballots are key to secure elections. In 2024, about 98% of votes will have a paper trail. This lets officials check a sample of these records to make sure votes are counted right9.
This paper trail is crucial for audits. It helps confirm if machine tallies are correct. This is called “risk-limiting audits.”9
Risk-limiting audits check a big number of ballots. They help prove that votes weren’t changed by hacking9. Around 70% of voters use paper ballots, says J. Alex Halderman9.
Ensuring the Integrity of Election Results
Voting machines are tested before and after voting. This makes sure they work right9. Problems like frozen screens or jammed scanners usually come from mistakes, not hacking9.
Any worries about votes being changed are usually because of mistakes, not machines9. Paper ballots and audits keep elections honest. They make sure votes are counted right and are open to everyone10.
Elon Musk’s big donation to a Republican PAC shows how important secure elections are10.
“Dominion voting systems have been proven to produce accurate results through hand counts and audits of paper ballots.”10
The deal between Dominion Voting Systems and Fox News for over $787 million shows the need for honest elections. It’s important for officials and media to fight fake news10.
Expert Insights on Election Security
In the U.S., securing elections is a big challenge. Election security experts play a key role in this effort. J. Alex Halderman, a professor at the University of Michigan, has focused on voting system vulnerabilities11. His research found risks in ballot marking devices, leading to software updates to fix these issues11.
Experts stress the need to keep public trust in elections. They suggest regular audits, tools for voters to check their ballots, and support for election officials to safeguard the democratic process11. They work with government officials to find and fix weaknesses in election infrastructure11.
The U.S. election system is complex, with over 10,000 voting areas across 50 states12. While voter fraud is rare, new digital voting tech like AI could help. It could improve voter checks, fraud detection, and network security12.
But, threats like disinformation and cyber attacks still exist11. In Colorado, Georgia, and Michigan, people have been charged for election tampering. Figures like MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell have also faced subpoenas. This shows the ongoing fight to keep elections fair11. The work of election security experts is vital to maintain public trust in democracy.
| Key Findings | Data |
|---|---|
| Voting equipment usage | Over 70% of the votes cast across the United States are counted using voting equipment made by two specific companies11. |
| Charges related to election fraud | 19 people, including Sidney Powell, Rudy Giuliani, and Donald Trump, were charged in Fulton County, Georgia in relation to attempts to overturn the 2020 election results11. |
| Unauthorized breaches in local election offices | Charges were brought against individuals in Colorado, Georgia, and Michigan in connection to unauthorized breaches in local election offices11. |
| Mesa County, Colorado breach | Tina Peters, the former Mesa County clerk in Colorado, pleaded not guilty to state charges related to providing unauthorized access to voting systems during a breach in May 202111. |
| Expert letter on voting machine assessment | 22 experts in computer science, election security, and voter advocacy signed a letter urging federal agencies to investigate and conduct a risk assessment of voting machines used in the U.S11. |
| Breach in Colorado and subpoena | MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell received a subpoena from a federal grand jury in September 2022 regarding a breach in Colorado concerning voting system hard drives being posted online11. |
| Potential national implications of software breaches | Douglas W. Jones, a computer scientist, highlighted that the voting system software breaches in 2020 could have national implications given the widespread use of the software by election offices across the country11. |
| Importance of federal probe to address election security risks | Kevin Skoglund, an election technology expert, emphasized the importance of a federal probe to reclaim software copies that were shared widely to reduce risks related to election security and prevent future harm11. |
The U.S. is facing many challenges in election security. The advice from election security experts is crucial. They help protect election infrastructure and keep democracy safe.
Conclusion
Concerns about computer voting security are real, but many are working hard to keep elections safe13. Voters can help by using paper ballots and checking their votes. They should also push for detailed audits after elections14.
By staying informed and active, we can make sure the 2024 election and others are fair and trusted14.
It’s very important to watch over elections closely13. Hackers could change vote counts or flood systems with fake requests13. This could mess up election results.
Election officials and experts must keep working on strong security plans14. There have been cases of election office breaches, showing we need to be more careful14.
By teaming up with federal agencies and doing deep investigations, we can find and fix election weaknesses14. This will help keep the 2024 election and future ones safe from cyber threats.
FAQ
What are the potential risks of computer voting?
Computer voting systems face some risks. But, election officials and security experts are tackling these issues. They aim to keep the electoral process safe. Steps like paper records, audits, and updates help reduce these risks.
How are malicious actors trying to undermine confidence in elections?
Bad actors spread false info to shake trust in U.S. elections. The FBI and CISA are fighting back. They aim to educate the public on spotting and reporting suspicious activity.
Are there widespread issues with voting machines “flipping” or “switching” votes?
Claims of “vote switching” have been around for years. But, experts say these are mostly due to human mistakes, not hacking. Election officials have debunked viral claims, pointing to voter errors, not machine faults.
What are the potential vulnerabilities in voting machines, and how are they being addressed?
Voting machines can have vulnerabilities. But, experts say issues like frozen screens are more common than hacking. To fix these, there are tests, paper records, and audits in place.
Why are paper ballots and post-election audits important for ensuring election integrity?
Paper ballots are seen as the safest option. They allow for audits to check machine tallies. In 2024, most votes will have a paper trail. This lets officials review a sample of ballots to ensure results are correct.
Risk-limiting audits also play a key role. They check a large number of ballots to confirm the election outcome.
What are experts doing to address election security concerns?
Experts like J. Alex Halderman from the University of Michigan are researching voting system vulnerabilities. They work with officials to strengthen election security. They focus on keeping public trust by using audits, verifying ballots, and supporting election officials.
Source Links
- https://cs.uiowa.edu/news/2024/05/professor-doug-jones-voting-security-developing – Professor Doug Jones on Voting Security (Developing)
- https://mashable.com/article/2024-election-voting-machines-election-security – The truth about voting machine security in the 2024 election
- https://alumni.umich.edu/michigan-alum/securing-the-vote/ – Securing the Vote
- https://www.cpr.org/2024/10/15/voting-equipment-wifi-election-safety-security/ – Yes, older voting machines have Wi-Fi cards in them. Here’s why election workers say that’s not cause for concern
- https://heraldcourier.com/news/nation-world/government-politics/elections/voting-systems-are-easy-to-blame-but-are-hard-to-hack-and-tested-for-accuracy/article_1fba78df-9b33-5ef0-9a99-17b4c2b6d334.html – Voting systems are easy to blame, but are hard to hack and tested for accuracy
- https://www.wired.com/story/trump-supporters-hacking-voting-machine/ – Trump Supporters Are Boosting a Clip of a Voting Machine Being Hacked. It’s Not What It Seems
- https://www.texastribune.org/2024/10/23/texas-2024-ballots-secure-elections/ – Facing election scrutiny, Texas prepares for Nov. 5 with paper ballots and strengthened security
- https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2024/08/researchers-race-document-voting-machine-vulnerabilities-ahead-november/398768/ – Researchers race to document voting machine vulnerabilities ahead of November
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/false-claims-machines-switching-votes-what-to-know/ – False claims about machines “switching” votes are going viral. Here’s what to know.
- https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/world-news/only-do-paper-ballots-elon-musk-says-voting-machines-rig-elections/articleshow/114387401.cms – Only do paper ballots: Elon Musk says voting machines rig elections
- https://apnews.com/article/election-security-voting-machines-software-2024-80a23479d8a767ba9333b2324c4e424b – Voting experts warn of ‘serious threats’ for 2024 from election equipment software breaches
- https://www.digicert.com/blog/what-is-the-most-secure-voting-method – From paper to post: The most secure ways to vote
- https://blog.intigriti.com/intigriti-news/a-hackers-guide-to-online-voting-systems – A hackers’ guide to online voting systems
- https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/voting-experts-warn-of-serious-threats-for-2024-from-election-equipment-software-breaches – Voting experts warn of ‘serious threats’ for 2024 from election equipment software breaches
