Cybersecurity for Electronic Voting

When a homeowners association (HOA) is considering a transition to electronic voting, it often gets pushback on the issue of security. To ensure the utmost in security, an electronic voting system should have advanced encryption protocols, require multi-factor authentication from voters to verify their identities, and be housed within secure data centers.

Some states also require an independent supervisor. In California, for example, a California HOA inspector of elections oversees the entire electoral process, including ensuring that security protocols are properly in place and followed accordingly.

Follow Encryption Protocols

Advanced encryption protocols are the backbone of any secure virtual voting platform. They are in place to ensure voting remains private and confidential and prevent any sensitive voter data or information from being compromised.

Strong encryption is a must to prevent anyone from accessing or manipulating votes and is key to enhancing voter confidence online. It safeguards members' privacy and guarantees that every vote is counted accurately and securely.  

Multi-Factor Authentication

Today, many websites require that you prove your identity when logging in. That’s where multi-factor authentication comes in. 

Voter authentication methods online may use multi-factor authentication that usually involves sending a secure code via text. This extra layer of security ensures only verified voters can cast their secret ballots when using a reputable platform like ElectionBuddy. After all, you don’t want people outside your organization having a say in an election or an issue that doesn’t directly affect them and that they're not entitled to vote in.

The Importance of Secure Data Centers

An online election is only as secure as its infrastructure and the data center in which it is housed. Having a secure space is critical for protecting the voting process against any physical or digital threats.

Data centers must have strong physical security measures, including access controls, surveillance systems, etc. These facilities have strict rules and procedures they have to follow to make sure sensitive voter information is safe and secure.

Improve Transparency

Choosing an online election software that takes cybersecurity seriously keeps voters and voter information safe. It also boosts transparency within your entire electoral process.

Platforms like ElectionBuddy are able to easily catch and prevent election fraud and produce detailed audit. If there’s any question of tampering in an election, these audit trails can be a critical part of a post-election analysis. This is how you’ll be able to spot any irregular activity and make sure voting is accurate.

Why ElectionBuddy?

ElectionBuddy takes cybersecurity very seriously. Making sure your elections are done the right way and with advanced and proven security protocols in place is a major priority of the system.

When your members cast a ballot with ElectionBuddy, their votes are counted immediately and shared when you’re ready to publish them. It can even be done automatically.

Here are some other ways ElectionBuddy emphasizes cybersecurity:

• Voters have personal voting keys. They’re created and used only once for maximum security.
• To confirm voter identity, voters can be prompted to input a second password.
• ElectionBuddy uses 256-bit encryption. It’s the same level of encryption used by major banks.
• A neutral third party makes sure elections are run fairly. This is essential, not just in states like California, to solve any election issues you may encounter. 
• Voter ballots are easy to review. Audits can verify that no election fraud was at play.

With these protections in place, ElectionBuddy strives to deliver a secure, fair, and seamless voting experience from start to finish!