CYBERSECURITY IN ELECTIONS: PROTECTING THE INTEGRITY OF DEMOCRACY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v13.i10.2025.6435Keywords:
Cyber Security, Crime, Election, Legal Framework, PolicyAbstract [English]
Digital technologies have transformed election administration, improving efficiency, accessibility and transparency, while simultaneously introducing new attack surfaces that threaten electoral integrity. This article synthesizes contemporary literature and practice to map the threat landscape, identify systemic vulnerabilities across the electoral lifecycle, review notable incidents, and set out technical, procedural and policy measures for strengthening resilience. Emphasis is placed on a whole-of-society approach that combines technical hardening (defense-in-depth), organizational preparedness (incident response, interagency coordination), and democratic safeguards (transparency, observation, legal frameworks).
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