Top voting machine maker admits to installing remote-access software on systems sold to US

[kpete]

A major U.S. voting machine manufacturer revealed that it installed remote-access software on some election management systems that it sold in the early 2000s, according to a letter released by a Democratic senator on Tuesday.

Sen. Ron Wyden's (D-Ore.) office released an April 5 letter from Election Systems & Software (ES&S) making the disclosure amid sustained scrutiny over the security of U.S. election systems following Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.


In the letter to Wyden, first reported by Motherboard and obtained by The Hill, ES&S said it “provided pcAnywhere remote connection software on the [election management system] workstation to a small number of customers between 2000 and 2006.” The software was installed on voting management systems, ES&S said, to help with troubleshooting.

State and local election officials use these management systems to administer elections. In some cases, they hold software used to program digital voting machines. The systems are also used to tabulate final results of the voting process.

The company said it discontinued the use of the software in 2007, after the U.S. Election Assistance Commission issued new guidelines requiring that voting management systems not be connected to an outside network. The commission — an independent body established by Congress — tests and certifies voting equipment for use by state election officials.




the rest:
http://thehill.com/policy/cybersecurity/397460-voting-equipment-maker-sold-systems-with-remote-access-software

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

1. When I think of the 2014 Congressional results coast 2 coast, and it was ALL RED, even in Blue areas

This makes me see red. I KNEW full well that Pres Obama had been doing a good job, making us all proud and feel safe. And this coast to coast red map...that was one of the biggest rip-offs ever.

[Hoyt]

2. Software has been removed by now, but we need to reload it. Dems did well in 2006, 2008, 2010, 12

Somewhat facetious.

[suprcali]

3. Greatest thread

This is currently on the greatest thread list:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10142111409

[blm]

4. This is how they stole 2004

.

[Hoyt]

5. We lost 2004 from Swiftboating and Bin Laden's video the Friday before the election. Losing hurt.

[RandomAccess]

6. More info

A. Yet another OP: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100210885412

B: What to do about it:

@jennycohn1
This is a matter of national security. Tell your MOCs to pass the #PaveAct, @RonWyden’s election security bill, which requires that all voters have the option 2 use #handmarked #paperballots in federal elections & that states conduct Risk Limiting Audits 4 every federal race. 1/

Link to tweet

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