CYSE 495

Cyber Elections Security

In the Cyber Election Security course, I explored the evolving threats to elections, which are fundamental to democracy but increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. By integrating perspectives from cybersecurity, law, public policy, politics, and international affairs, I gained a comprehensive understanding of election security challenges and strategies to mitigate them. The course covered hacking campaigns, voter data vulnerabilities, election equipment security flaws, and manipulation through disinformation. I also examined legal and policy perspectives, the role of election systems as critical infrastructure, and methods for building public trust through secure practices. Additionally, I learned about phishing and ransomware threats targeting elections, along with key voting system security measures to defend against cyber threats and ensure election integrity.

Designing secure election systems means ensuring that accessibility is at the forefront. Discussions on building trust through transparent security practices, legal safeguards, and international cooperation emphasized how election security must be inclusive. From securing physical voting machines to protecting online voter databases, the course illustrated how intentional design plays a role in safeguarding democracy. The experience reaffirmed that election security is not just a technical issue, it is a societal responsibility.