Adoption of i-voting infrastructure: addressing network-level cybersecurity breaches
by Wilson Nwankwo; Paschal U. Chinedu; Florence U. Masajuwa; Christian C. Njoku; Simon E. Imoisi
Electronic Government, an International Journal (EG), Vol. 19, No. 3, 2023

Abstract: Internet voting (i-voting), a form of e-voting, may emerge as a potential substitute for traditional ballot-based systems. This paper addresses potential cybersecurity concerns using the sociotechnical approach and emphasised on the careful design of secure network components on which the deployment of i-voting platform thrives. Prior to such design, the various threats and cyber-attacks contemplated in an i-voting network infrastructure were categorised in line with the three major network abstractions, i.e., the core, distribution, and access levels. Configurations to mitigate network-level security issues were integrated into a network model constructed (using the eNSP tool) to support an i-voting application designed with the ASP.Net core framework. The system provided a platform to conduct penetration testing to expose any inherent security leaks in the i-voting network. From the unsuccessful penetration tests, we conclude that with appropriate cybersecurity strategy implemented, cyber-resilience and trust might be assured in an i-voting infrastructure. The implication would be a substantial cut in the expenditure during elections as well as entrenchment of public trust.

Online publication date: Mon, 01-May-2023

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