Understanding Computer Security and Voting Systems

Kathleen Fisher discusses the complexities of computer security, emphasizing the need for flawless execution to ensure system security. She highlights the risks of using cell phones for voting due to software vulnerabilities and hacking potential. The U.S. election system's decentralized nature is explained, with states choosing their voting technology. Fisher critiques touch screen voting for its lack of auditability and praises optical scanning machines for their paper trail, allowing for post-election audits to verify results.

Why is achieving computer security considered difficult?

• Because it only depends on strong passwords.

• Because it is solely about preventing phishing attacks.

• Because it is only about securing hardware.

• Because it requires perfect execution in various areas.

What is a major reason against using cell phones for national voting?

• Not everyone owns a cell phone.

• Cell phone software is too complex and vulnerable.

• Cell phones are too expensive.

• Cell phones cannot connect to the internet.

How is the U.S. election system structured in terms of technology?

• It uses a single technology nationwide.

• Each state decides its own voting technology.

• It uses only touchscreen machines.

• It relies solely on paper ballots.

What is a significant drawback of touchscreen voting machines?

• They are too slow to use.

• They do not provide a paper trail for auditing.

• They require internet access to function.

• They are too expensive to maintain.

What is the current trend regarding touchscreen voting machines?

• They are being replaced by mobile voting apps.

• They are being phased out.

• They are being upgraded with new software.

• They are being used more widely.

What advantage do optical scanning machines have over touchscreen machines?

• They are faster to use.

• They provide a paper record for auditing.

• They are cheaper to produce.

• They require less technical knowledge to operate.

Why is having a paper trail important in voting systems?

• It reduces the cost of elections.

• It allows for post-election auditing.

• It eliminates the need for electronic systems.

• It speeds up the voting process.

What is a key feature of optical scanning technology in elections?

• It eliminates the need for software.

• It ensures results are correct even if the software is buggy.

• It requires no human oversight.

• It is the fastest method of counting votes.

What is a recommended improvement for auditing in voting systems?

• Conducting audits only when requested by candidates.

• Reducing the number of audits conducted.

• Increasing the randomness and breadth of audits.

• Eliminating audits altogether.

What is the main goal of those working to improve voting technology?

• To make voting faster.

• To ensure results are accurate even with faulty software.

• To reduce the cost of elections.

• To eliminate the use of paper ballots.