Amid the array of investigations into Russian interference with the 2016 election, the director of the Illinois State Board of Elections testified last week before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Illinois was the target of a hack that exposed thousands of voters’ names, addresses, birthdays and partial social security numbers. Since the attack was detected, officials have moved to strengthen security around the voter database. But nationwide, concerns about election cybersecurity are on the rise – especially since Illinois was one of at least 21 states that were successfully hacked.
According to the state elections board, it’s implemented a number of new security measures after the attack, including coordination with other state elections agencies, round-the-clock monitoring and daily anti-virus updates.
In addition to those steps, the board has also rolled out cybersecurity training for staffers – another key element to preventing potential hacks.
“Human error is very difficult to guard against. Some of the simplest measures can undo hundreds of thousands of dollars of security technology, unfortunately,” said Stacy Kowalczyk, a professor at Dominican University and director of its information management program.
Full Article: Keeping Elections Safe From Hackers | Chicago Tonight | WTTW.