Microsoft announced the ElectionGuard SDK, as well as a new tool integrated into Microsoft 365, called CampaignGuard, during the 2019 build in Seattle, Washington. Both of these programs will attempt to secure elections and make it more difficult for malicious parties to manipulate them. The ElectionGuard SDK will be distributed free of charge to manufacturers and providers of voting systems, so that it can be easily integrated into existing voting systems or used in the development of new ones. This SDK aims to improve security by implementing end-to-end verifiability and tools to facilitate security audits. Microsoft's ElectionGuard will go one step further by making voting systems more accessible to everyone. This will include the use of the Xbox Adaptive Controller to make it easy for everyone to participate in Vote Center elections. Accessibility features will also be integrated into the software. The SDK will arrive this summer as part of Microsoft's Defending Democracy program, which aims to find solutions to problems like cyberattacks, misinformation, and ad transparency. This SDK comes at a time when elections around the world are under increased scrutiny, and where Microsoft isn't the only major tech company offering such tools. Facebook, for example, has worked hard to combat the spread of misinformation on its platform.
Campaigns are not far behind.
CampaignGuard, a new tool integrated into Microsoft 365, will also be part of the Defending Democracy program. It will build on the enterprise security features of Microsoft 365 and tailor them to the threats facing election campaigns. Because campaign campaigns are especially targeted at cyberattacks, Microsoft 365 CampaignGuard will streamline security features to enable them to quickly and effectively counter all threats. This will be done primarily through a software wizard that campaigns can use to improve security without necessarily requiring cybersecurity personnel. With the help of AccountGuard's attack notification and threat detection systems developed as part of Microsoft's initial defense of democracy program, CampaignGuard will actually combat these threats. CampaignGuard will be available in June and will initially be available to US federal election candidates. Pricing information is not yet available, but Microsoft says they will be available at a "low price." Interested campaigns can register by visiting the CampaignGuard registration page.- Start a political campaign? Make sure you have one of the best laptops