Free CERA Technology & Security in Elections Questions and Answers

Question 1

Why is cybersecurity critical in modern elections?

Accepted Answer

To prevent digital threats and unauthorized access to systems

Answer

Cybersecurity is paramount in modern elections to protect the integrity and confidentiality of election systems and data. It safeguards against malicious attacks like hacking, ransomware, and data breaches that could compromise voter registration databases, voting machines, or election results. Robust cybersecurity measures ensure that election processes remain secure, accurate, and trustworthy.

Question 2

Which system is used to manage registered voters electronically?

Accepted Answer

Electronic Voter Registration System (EVRS)

Answer

An Electronic Voter Registration System (EVRS) is a database and software platform specifically designed to manage voter information. It allows election officials to register new voters, update existing records, verify eligibility, and maintain an accurate and current list of registered voters. This system is fundamental for efficient and secure election administration.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a risk-limiting audit?

Accepted Answer

To verify vote counts and ensure accuracy

Answer

A risk-limiting audit (RLA) is a post-election audit method designed to provide strong statistical evidence that the reported election outcome is correct. By manually examining a statistically significant sample of paper ballots, RLAs can detect if the reported outcome is wrong and correct it before certification. This process enhances public confidence in election results by verifying the accuracy of vote counts.

Question 4

What role does encryption play in election technology?

Accepted Answer

It secures election data by making it unreadable to unauthorized users

Answer

Encryption is a vital cybersecurity measure in election technology that transforms sensitive election data into a coded format. This makes the data unreadable and unusable to anyone without the correct decryption key, thereby protecting it from unauthorized access, tampering, or disclosure. Encryption is essential for safeguarding voter registration information, ballot data, and election results during transmission and storage.

Question 5

Which agency supports election cybersecurity?

Accepted Answer

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Answer

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is a U.S. federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security. CISA works with state and local election officials to protect election infrastructure from cyber and physical threats. They provide resources, guidance, and threat intelligence to enhance the security and resilience of election systems nationwide.

CERA - Certified Elections Registration Administrator Practice Test

CERA - Certified Elections Registration Administrator Practice Test

Free CERA Technology & Security in Elections Questions and Answers