Hack a Fax
Demonstrates the lack of security in email and fax ballot return systems used by overseas voters and advocates for robust federal standards.
Summary
Overseas Ballot Return Insecurities
Millions of military and overseas voters rely on electronic transmission methods, including email and facsimile, to return completed ballots under disparate state election statutes.
The Hack a Fax Demonstration
The National Cybersecurity Center developed a demonstration showing how unencrypted fax protocols and internet-to-fax gateways can be intercepted, altered, or blocked in transit.
Balancing Voter Accessibility with Security
While expanding ballot access for citizens living abroad is vital, relying on legacy protocols devoid of cryptographic verification introduces vulnerabilities that compromise election integrity.
Establishing Federal Standards for Electronic Ballot Return
Advocating for unified federal security standards ensures that modern ballot delivery and return platforms incorporate verifiable audit trails and end-to-end encryption.
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