Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) typically don't have a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) like a typical computer. However, the absence of a GPU doesn't mean they are immune to security threats. Here's why:
1. Software Vulnerabilities: EVMs run on specialized software, and like any software system, they can have vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities could be exploited by attackers to manipulate the voting process or compromise the integrity of the election.
2. Hardware Manipulation: Even though EVMs lack a GPU, they contain various other components, such as microcontrollers, memory chips, input/output devices, and communication interfaces. Attackers could tamper with these components to alter the behavior of the EVM or extract sensitive information.
3. Network Connectivity: While some EVMs don't have network connectivity, others may have communication capabilities for transmitting voting data. Any device with network connectivity is potentially vulnerable to network-based attacks, even if it doesn't have a GPU.
4. Physical Security: EVMs are physically deployed in polling stations during elections. Physical security measures are crucial to prevent unauthorized access, tampering, or theft of the devices. Failure to adequately secure EVMs can expose them to various security threats.
5. Social Engineering: Security threats don't always involve technical exploits. Social engineering tactics, such as bribery, coercion, or impersonation, can be used to manipulate election officials or voters and compromise the integrity of the election process, regardless of the presence of a GPU.
While the absence of a GPU may limit certain types of attacks, it doesn't eliminate the need for robust security measures to protect EVMs from various security threats. Election authorities must implement a comprehensive security strategy that addresses both technical and non-technical vulnerabilities to ensure the integrity and security of the electoral process.
The solution is a Blockchain voting system
Blockchain can promises to revolutionize elections by ensuring transparency. It addresses long-standing issues of distrust in democratic processes, particularly in nations like the US and India. Here's how:
1. Tamper-Proof Process: Blockchain replaces traditional voting methods with decentralized platforms. Voters input biometric details into blockchain-powered devices, generating a secure hash key for voting. This eliminates tampering with electoral rolls.
2. Data Integrity: Altering data on the blockchain is extremely difficult, if not impossible. Ledger technology enables tracing, catching any attempts at data manipulation.
3. Transparent Data: Stakeholders have secure, transparent access to election data at any time, promoting accountability.
4. Choosing the Right Protocol: Selecting the appropriate blockchain protocol is crucial. Proof of Work may be susceptible to influence, whereas Proof of Stake and outsourced protocols offer better supervision by the Election Commission.
5. Private vs. Public Blockchain: Private blockchains can maintain polling data secrecy, vital for multi-phase elections like those in India.
Blockchain ensures fair elections globally, fostering trust in democratic governance. It enables error-free results calculation and independent verification. Auditors can scrutinize results in real-time, ensuring fairness. Election monitoring groups, supported by technical experts, can utilize blockchain for transparent and fair elections. Collaboration between election authorities and private players is essential for integrating blockchain into election processes.