Bill by Sens. Warner and Collins would mandate pen-testing for election systems, create voluntary disclosure program

Legislation by Senate Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) would establish a penetration testing requirement for voting systems seeking certification under the Help America Vote Act, while also establishing a voluntary vulnerability disclosure program to enable “vetted researchers” to examine election equipment.

The “SECURE IT Act” was introduced Wednesday and requires the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to include penetration testing as a condition of certification for election systems while directing NIST to accredit entities that...