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J. Alex Halderman
In this course, you'll learn what every citizen should know about the security risks--and future potential — of electronic voting and Internet voting. We'll take a look at the past, present, and future of election technologies and explore the various spaces intersected by voting, including computer security, human factors, public policy, and more.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Voting as a Security Problem
Approaching voting problems with the security mindset
Computers at the Polls
Voting enters the computing age
Read more
Syllabus
Voting as a Security Problem
Approaching voting problems with the security mindset
Computers at the Polls
Voting enters the computing age
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides an overview of electronic and Internet voting systems and their security implications
Taught by a leading expert in the field of election security
Covers the human factors and policy considerations related to voting
Prepares learners to understand future developments in voting technology
May require learners to have a basic understanding of computer security and human factors
Does not provide hands-on experience with electronic or Internet voting systems
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Reviews summary
Overview of digital election security
According to learners, this course provides a timely and important overview of the security aspects surrounding digital democracy and electronic voting. Students found the subject matter highly relevant and crucial for understanding current events. The course structure is generally seen as clear and accessible, making complex topics digestible for those without a deep technical background. While providing a solid foundation, some students felt it lacked sufficient technical depth in certain areas, suggesting it's better suited as a comprehensive introduction rather than an advanced security deep dive. The instructors are widely praised for their knowledge and ability to explain concepts effectively.
Assessments test understanding effectively.
"The quizzes were fair and helped reinforce the concepts taught in the lectures."
"Assignments required critical thinking about the implications of different voting methods."
"Assessments were a good way to check my grasp of the material."
"Found the quizzes relevant to the lecture content."
Covers technical, human, and policy aspects.
"I liked how the course didn't just focus on the tech but also covered human factors and policy issues."
"The mix of computer science, policy, and psychology viewpoints was really insightful."
"Appreciated the broad perspective on voting security beyond just the technical side."
"Effectively integrates technical risks with human and policy considerations."
Instructors are praised for expertise and teaching.
"The instructors were very knowledgeable and presented the information clearly and engagingly."
"I really enjoyed the lectures; the professors were experts in the field."
"Excellent instructors who made the potentially dry material interesting."
"Professors demonstrate deep understanding of the subject matter."
Course structure makes complex topics understandable.
"The course was structured logically, moving from basic concepts to more complex ones smoothly."
"I appreciated how the material was presented in a way that was accessible even without prior technical knowledge."
"The modules were well-organized and easy to follow, making learning enjoyable."
"Explains complex security concepts clearly for a general audience."
Subject matter is highly relevant and timely.
"This course covers a very important and timely topic that everyone should understand."
"The content on the security risks of online voting felt incredibly relevant right now."
"I found the course material crucial for understanding the discussions around election integrity."
"Covers an extremely relevant topic in today's political climate."
Forum activity and moderation could be improved.
"The course forum wasn't as active as I'd hoped for robust discussion."
"Sometimes the forum felt a bit unmoderated, leading to off-topic discussions."
"Discussion board could be more engaging."
"Lack of consistent instructor or TA presence in forums noted."
Provides a good overview, but not deep technical detail.
"It gives a good general overview but doesn't dive deep into the technical security aspects I was hoping for."
"While a great introduction, I felt it could benefit from more in-depth technical explanations."
"Good for beginners, but if you have a tech background, you might find it a bit basic."
"Provides a broad look at various facets but perhaps sacrifices technical depth."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Securing Digital Democracy with these
activities:
Review election principles
Show steps
Reinforce knowledge of election principles relevant to the course topics
Browse courses on
Voting Systems
Show steps
-
Review voting system basics, including plurality, majority, and runoff systems
-
Understand the mechanics of different voting systems, including paper-based and electronic voting
Review 'Black Box Voting' by Bev Harris
Show steps
Gain insights into historical and potential issues with electronic voting systems
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes on key arguments and evidence
-
Consider the implications for election security and integrity
-
Discuss findings with classmates or online communities
Explore online resources on voting technology
Show steps
Expand knowledge of voting technology and its implications
Show steps
-
Identify and access reputable websites, academic papers, or videos on voting technology
-
Review materials and take notes on key concepts, advancements, and challenges
-
Summarize findings and discuss with classmates or online forums
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Analyze news articles on voting security
Show steps
Sharpen analytical skills in assessing voting security issues
Show steps
-
Identify and select reputable news sources covering voting security
-
Read and critically analyze news articles, paying attention to claims, evidence, and biases
-
Summarize key findings and identify areas of vulnerability or best practices
Seek guidance from experts in voting security
Show steps
Gain insights and advice from professionals in the field
Show steps
-
Identify potential mentors through professional networks, conferences, or online platforms
-
Reach out to selected mentors and request guidance on specific topics or career development
-
Attend meetings or video calls to discuss interests, challenges, and opportunities
Create infographics on voting methods
Show steps
Enhance understanding of voting methods and improve communication skills
Browse courses on
Voting Systems
Show steps
-
Research and gather information on different voting systems
-
Design and create visually appealing infographics that clearly explain the pros and cons of each system
-
Share infographics with peers or online communities for feedback and discussion
Attend workshops on election cybersecurity
Show steps
Acquire specialized knowledge and practical skills in election cybersecurity
Show steps
-
Identify and register for workshops offered by academic institutions, government agencies, or industry organizations
-
Attend workshops and actively participate in discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises
-
Network with experts and peers in the field
Organize notes and materials from the course
Show steps
Consolidate and reinforce learning from the course
Show steps
-
Review and organize lecture notes, slides, and readings
-
Create summaries or mind maps to condense key concepts
-
Combine and categorize materials into a structured study guide
Review election principles
Show steps
Reinforce knowledge of election principles relevant to the course topics
Browse courses on
Voting Systems
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review voting system basics, including plurality, majority, and runoff systems
- Understand the mechanics of different voting systems, including paper-based and electronic voting
Review 'Black Box Voting' by Bev Harris
Show steps
Gain insights into historical and potential issues with electronic voting systems
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes on key arguments and evidence
- Consider the implications for election security and integrity
- Discuss findings with classmates or online communities
Explore online resources on voting technology
Show steps
Expand knowledge of voting technology and its implications
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and access reputable websites, academic papers, or videos on voting technology
- Review materials and take notes on key concepts, advancements, and challenges
- Summarize findings and discuss with classmates or online forums
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Analyze news articles on voting security
Show steps
Sharpen analytical skills in assessing voting security issues
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and select reputable news sources covering voting security
- Read and critically analyze news articles, paying attention to claims, evidence, and biases
- Summarize key findings and identify areas of vulnerability or best practices
Seek guidance from experts in voting security
Show steps
Gain insights and advice from professionals in the field
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify potential mentors through professional networks, conferences, or online platforms
- Reach out to selected mentors and request guidance on specific topics or career development
- Attend meetings or video calls to discuss interests, challenges, and opportunities
Create infographics on voting methods
Show steps
Enhance understanding of voting methods and improve communication skills
Browse courses on
Voting Systems
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and gather information on different voting systems
- Design and create visually appealing infographics that clearly explain the pros and cons of each system
- Share infographics with peers or online communities for feedback and discussion
Attend workshops on election cybersecurity
Show steps
Acquire specialized knowledge and practical skills in election cybersecurity
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and register for workshops offered by academic institutions, government agencies, or industry organizations
- Attend workshops and actively participate in discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises
- Network with experts and peers in the field
Organize notes and materials from the course
Show steps
Consolidate and reinforce learning from the course
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review and organize lecture notes, slides, and readings
- Create summaries or mind maps to condense key concepts
- Combine and categorize materials into a structured study guide
Career center
Learners who complete Securing Digital Democracy will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Computer Security Analyst
Computer Security Analyst
Computer Security Analysts are tasked with finding weaknesses in computer systems and networks. Their work helps to keep data safe from cyberattacks and ensures that systems are functioning as intended. The course on Securing Digital Democracy provides a solid foundation in computer security, which can be a valuable asset for anyone working in this field.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts are responsible for developing and implementing security measures to protect an organization's information assets. They work to identify and mitigate risks to information systems and data, and they ensure that the organization's information security policies are followed. The course on Securing Digital Democracy provides a comprehensive overview of information security, which can be helpful for anyone working in this field.
Security Engineer
Security Engineer
Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems for organizations. They work to protect networks, systems, and data from cyberattacks and other threats. The course on Securing Digital Democracy provides a strong foundation in security engineering, which can be beneficial for anyone working in this field.
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems for networks. They work to protect networks from cyberattacks and other threats, and they ensure that networks are functioning as intended. The course on Securing Digital Democracy provides a solid foundation in network security, which can be beneficial for anyone working in this field.
IT Auditor
IT Auditor
IT Auditors assess the security of an organization's information systems. They work to identify and mitigate risks to information systems and data, and they ensure that the organization's information security policies are followed. The course on Securing Digital Democracy provides a comprehensive overview of information security auditing, which can be helpful for anyone working in this field.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts investigate and respond to cyberattacks. They work to identify and mitigate risks to information systems and data, and they ensure that the organization's information security policies are followed. The course on Securing Digital Democracy provides a solid foundation in cybersecurity, which can be beneficial for anyone working in this field.
Security Consultant
Security Consultant
Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their security posture. They work to identify and mitigate risks to information systems and data, and they help organizations to develop and implement security policies. The course on Securing Digital Democracy provides a comprehensive overview of information security, which can be helpful for anyone working in this field.
Compliance Manager
Compliance Manager
Compliance Managers ensure that an organization is complying with all applicable laws and regulations. They work to identify and mitigate risks to the organization's compliance posture, and they help the organization to develop and implement compliance policies. The course on Securing Digital Democracy provides a comprehensive overview of compliance management, which can be helpful for anyone working in this field.
Risk Manager
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify, assess, and mitigate risks to an organization. They work to ensure that the organization is taking appropriate steps to protect its assets and interests. The course on Securing Digital Democracy provides a solid foundation in risk management, which can be beneficial for anyone working in this field.
Information Governance Officer
Information Governance Officer
Information Governance Officers are responsible for managing an organization's information assets. They work to ensure that the organization's information is accurate, complete, and accessible, and they help the organization to develop and implement information governance policies. The course on Securing Digital Democracy provides a solid foundation in information governance, which can be beneficial for anyone working in this field.
Privacy Officer
Privacy Officer
Privacy Officers are responsible for protecting the privacy of an organization's data. They work to ensure that the organization is complying with all applicable privacy laws and regulations, and they help the organization to develop and implement privacy policies. The course on Securing Digital Democracy provides a solid foundation in privacy management, which can be beneficial for anyone working in this field.
Data Protection Officer
Data Protection Officer
Data Protection Officers are responsible for protecting the privacy and security of an organization's data. They work to ensure that the organization is complying with all applicable data protection laws and regulations, and they help the organization to develop and implement data protection policies. The course on Securing Digital Democracy provides a solid foundation in data protection, which can be beneficial for anyone working in this field.
Records Manager
Records Manager
Records Managers are responsible for managing an organization's records. They work to ensure that the organization's records are accurate, complete, and accessible, and they help the organization to develop and implement records management policies. The course on Securing Digital Democracy may be helpful for anyone working in this field, as it provides a solid foundation in information management.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians are responsible for managing and providing access to an organization's information resources. They work to ensure that the organization's information resources are accurate, complete, and accessible, and they help the organization to develop and implement library policies. The course on Securing Digital Democracy may be helpful for anyone working in this field, as it provides a solid foundation in information management.
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists are responsible for managing and preserving an organization's historical records. They work to ensure that the organization's records are accurate, complete, and accessible, and they help the organization to develop and implement archival policies. The course on Securing Digital Democracy may be helpful for anyone working in this field, as it provides a solid foundation in information management.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/6c2xhd/securing
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Securing Digital Democracy.
This comprehensive handbook provides a multidisciplinary perspective on the relationship between digital technology and society, offering insights into the social, political, and economic implications of digital democracy.
This handbook offers a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity, providing essential background knowledge on the technical and policy aspects of securing digital systems and networks.
Provides historical context for the challenges and opportunities of digital democracy, exploring the evolution of democratic ideals and practices in the United States.
Provides a comparative overview of electoral reform in different countries. It useful resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the different ways in which electoral systems can be designed and implemented.
Examines the impact of digital technology on the public sphere, exploring the ways in which it has transformed political discourse, citizen participation, and democratic processes.
Provides a historical and philosophical perspective on the relationship between technology and democracy, tracing the ways in which technology has both enabled and constrained democratic processes.
Save
Explores the impact of the internet on politics. It discusses the different ways in which technology is changing the way that people participate in politics and the way that governments operate.
Save
Explores the impact of social media on politics, society, and business. It discusses the different ways in which social media is changing the way that people communicate, organize, and act.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/6c2xhd/securing
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Effort
2-3 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Michigan
Instructor
J. Alex Halderman
Language
English
Transcripts
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