Consider This from NPR This Tool Was Supposed To Detect Election Hacking. Now It's A Misinformation Target
Sep 2, 2022
Miles Parks, an NPR journalist specializing in voting and election security, dives into the controversial topic of Albert sensors, designed to prevent election hacking. After the 2016 elections, these tools were embraced, but rising political distrust has led some to question their efficacy and necessity. Parks discusses how misinformation has fueled skepticism, particularly among conservatives in Washington State. The conversation sheds light on the broader implications of eroding trust in election security measures and their impact on democracy.
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Election Offices as Hacking Targets
- State and local election offices were targeted by hackers, particularly in 2016.
- Although most attempts didn't breach systems, it highlighted vulnerabilities, leading to increased security measures like Albert sensors.
Ferry County Removes Albert Sensor
- In Ferry County, Washington, the all-Republican commission voted to remove its Albert sensor.
- Commissioner Davis expressed concern over the sensor scanning their network and sending data to a third party.
Partisan Memo Fuels Suspicion
- A memo circulating within the Washington State Republican Party linked CIS, the organization behind Albert sensors, to left-leaning groups.
- This fueled suspicion towards the sensors, despite bipartisan support for the program previously.