Prescreening Questions to Ask Cybersecurity Engineer (Voting Systems)

Can you describe your experience with securing voting systems or related election technology?

When it comes to securing voting systems, experience is everything. Ask them to elaborate on projects they've been involved in, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. You're looking for specific examples that showcase their ability to protect the integrity of election results.

What cryptographic methods have you implemented or analyzed in your previous roles?

Cryptography is like the secret sauce in security. Inquire about the cryptographic algorithms and protocols they've worked with, whether it's AES, RSA, or more exotic methods. Have them explain their hands-on experience and the context in which these methods were used.

How familiar are you with the security standards relevant to voting systems, such as VVSG or NIST guidelines?

Security standards are your rulebook. If they're not familiar with the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG) or NIST's security framework, you might want to reconsider. Ask them to discuss how they've used these standards in their prior roles.

Can you explain the concept of end-to-end verifiable voting and its importance?

This one's crucial. End-to-end verifiable voting ensures that from the moment a vote is cast to the final tally, everything is secure and transparent. Have them breakdown the concept and explain why it's essential for maintaining voter trust and election integrity.

What are the key steps you would take in securing the software supply chain for voting systems?

Software supply chains can be a weak link. You want someone who is proactive about securing them. Look for answers that include code signing, rigorous vetting processes, and continuous monitoring of software integrity.

Have you worked with data encryption standards and protocols like SSL/TLS, and how did you implement them?

SSL/TLS isn't just for websites; it's crucial for voting systems too. Discuss how they've implemented these protocols, any challenges faced, and how they ensured secure data transmission.

What strategies do you use to ensure the physical security of voting machines and data centers?

Physical security is as important as cybersecurity. Inquire about strategies such as secure facility design, restricted access, and tamper-evident features on voting machines.

How do you stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities specific to voting systems?

The world of cybersecurity is always evolving. You need someone who's proactive. Do they follow specialist forums, participate in industry conferences, or subscribe to threat intelligence services? Their approach will tell you how on-the-ball they are.

Can you detail your experience with network security, particularly in isolating and protecting voting infrastructure?

Network security is like the fortress wall around your voting system. Discuss their experience with isolating voting networks, implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and segmenting networks to limit exposure.

Describe a scenario where you conducted a cybersecurity risk assessment for a complex system.

Risk assessments are your perfect fit for uncovering vulnerabilities. Ask them to walk you through a detailed scenario where they assessed a system, identified risks, and implemented mitigations. This will help you understand their analytical approach.

What incident response procedures do you recommend for handling breaches in voting system security?

When a breach happens, quick and effective response is key. Discuss their experience with incident response plans, including detection, containment, eradication, and recovery procedures.

Can you provide examples of how you have used penetration testing to uncover vulnerabilities?

Penetration testing is like a controlled heist on your system. Ask them to detail instances where they conducted pen tests, the tools used, and the vulnerabilities they uncovered and subsequently fixed.

What tools and techniques do you use for continuous monitoring and logging in critical systems?

Continuous monitoring is vital for early threat detection. Get insights into the tools (like SIEM systems) and strategies they use for effective monitoring and logging activities within critical systems.

How would you handle the challenge of balancing usability and security in a voting system?

Usability vs. security is always a tricky balance. They should be able to talk about methods for making the user experience seamless without compromising security. Examples could include intuitive user interfaces paired with robust back-end security features.

What is your approach to implementing multi-factor authentication in highly secure environments?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a must. Discuss their favorite methods of MFA implementation, like biometric, token-based, or SMS-based systems, and how they ensure these methods fit into the broader security framework.

Describe your experience with regulatory compliance and security audits for governmental systems.

Regulatory compliance can't be overlooked. Talk about their experience with compliance standards and how they prepared for and conducted security audits, particularly for government-related systems.

How do you ensure that third-party software or services integrated into voting systems meet security requirements?

Third-party software can be risky. Discuss their methods for vetting third-party software, such as code reviews, security audits, and compliance checks to ensure they meet stringent security requirements.

Can you discuss a time when you mitigated a zero-day vulnerability, and what steps you took?

Zero-day vulnerabilities are the cybersecurity equivalent of a ghost. Hearing about specific instances where they discovered and squashed one of these bugs will provide invaluable insight into their problem-solving skills and responsiveness.

What measures do you take to protect against insider threats within a voting system's operational environment?

Insider threats can be a hidden peril. Ask them about the policies and measures they implement to detect and mitigate potential insider threats, including employee training, access controls, and monitoring mechanisms.

How do you address the challenge of securing legacy systems that are still in use within voting infrastructure?

Legacy systems can be a real headache. Inquire about their experience and strategies for securing older systems, whether through patch management, additional layers of security, or gradual phased replacement.