This Encyclopaedia Topic explores the development of a Holistic Exposure and Adaptation Testing (HEAT) Process for EMBs. IFES’
HEAT Process is a method for simultaneously identifying and testing the
potential exploitation of vulnerabilities in the use of election data
management technology. HEAT tests the technology itself, as well as the legal and operational frameworks in
which the technology is being deployed. Drawing
on themes, trends, and approaches from the literature, IFES has identified five
different types of exposure an EMB must consider in its use of data management
technology platforms – technology, human, political, legal, and procedural.
These different types or “dimensions” of exposure have in turn informed the
development of the HEAT Process. IFES aims to incorporate elements of existing
testing processes within a straightforward, holistic testing process that can
help an EMB correct vulnerabilities in these five areas that could lead to
manipulation of election data (known or unknown), system failure, or future
legal challenges.
This Encyclopaedia Topic is based on a white paper produced by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), an ACE partner. A PDF version of the paper is available here.
