Sir: Security vulnerabilities can be exploited to electronically disrupt the transmission of election results. If hackers could attack the election results portal for Ekiti and Osun elections, INEC should not underestimate the power of hackers while preparing for the 2023 general elections.
Hackers will compete and attempt to infiltrate targets related to Nigeria’s 2023 elections. Vulnerabilities in the electronic transmission of results make hacking a major possibility on election day.
A cyber-criminal gang or activist group go into election systems that are completely vulnerable. I offer the example of the energetic bear hack, wherein attackers deposited malware on websites intended for software updates for energy companies.
The perpetrators infiltrated energy grids and petroleum pipeline operators across U.S. and Europe and went unnoticed for three years. Hackers must target the electronic transmission of the 2023 election results in Nigeria.
Cyber-attack is an attempt by hackers to damage or destroy a computer network or system. The reasons for doing so can range from a hacker group wanting to show off their skills or most likely to extort money out of an organisation. Disrupting services and weakening government-controlled entities are also common, and the recent attack on the Irish health system brought to light just how dangerous and damaging such attacks can be.
I appeal to INEC to utilise unique networks and custom-built databases with new and updated security protocols. While it is undeniable websites are vulnerable to hackers, election result portals, websites and platforms are only used to publish preliminary, unofficial results for the public and the media. The sites could be hacked to change actual election results.
Inwalomhe Donald writes via inwalomhe.donald@yahoo.com