Student Article
How Technology Can Secure Future Elections From Hacking
Hacker (noun): A person who breaks into computer systems.
Blockchain (noun): A special way of keeping records safe using secret codes.
Ballot (noun): A paper used for voting.
Backup (noun): A second copy of something in case the first one is lost.
Keeping our elections safe from hackers is a big challenge, but technology can help.
Hacking the vote In 2016, hackers tried to mess with the U.S. presidential election. They tricked people into clicking fake links and stole private emails. This showed how easy it can be to hack into election systems. Easy to break in Electronic voting machines are often weak against hackers. In one test, a person broke into a voting machine in just two minutes! Some machines use old software that makes them easy to hack. High-tech protection To keep elections safe, experts are trying new ideas. One is called blockchain. It keeps a list of votes that is hard to change. Some countries have tested it, but it is still being improved. Another idea uses quantum technology, which makes secret codes even harder to crack. The power of paper Even with new technology, experts say we should keep using paper ballots as a backup. That way, if computers fail, there is still a way to check the votes.
© Kate O'Flaherty / Our Media
Hacker (noun): A person who breaks into computer systems.
Blockchain (noun): A special way of keeping records safe using secret codes.
Ballot (noun): A paper used for voting.
Backup (noun): A second copy of something in case the first one is lost.