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TGDC considers ban on wireless hardware in systems submitted under VVSG 2.1
Summary
A committee proposal to forbid wireless hardware in systems seeking VVSG 2.1 consideration drew strong support from cybersecurity experts and some vendors, while members cautioned about costs, procurement issues and exceptional state needs; the TGDC asked staff to analyze feasibility and incorporate comments into a redline.
A proposal to prohibit voting systems submitted under VVSG 2.1 from including hardware capable of wireless communications was a central, contested topic at the TGDC meeting.
Committee member Jud Chot proposed rewriting sections (notably 14.2C and 14.2E) to remove wireless hardware from systems seeking 2.1 review. He argued that the simplest assurance a system cannot establish wireless communications is to require that the necessary hardware not be present. Cybersecurity experts on the call — including Kevin Scogland and Chris Washen — strongly supported the proposal, citing past research and the cyber‑risk of embedded wireless modules. "Voting systems that can be connected are a demonstrable risk," said Chris Washen.
Other members cautioned about implementation: costs to procure specially configured hardware, vendor practices that solder wireless chips to motherboards, and states with geographic or reporting constraints (for example, island or remote precincts) that have law or operational needs for out‑of‑band reporting. EAC testing leads said labs can test and certify that wireless capability is disabled, but verifying hardware removal or modification (soldered components removed) adds testing complexity and costs.
The committee did not adopt an immediate prohibition. Members asked staff and labs to document feasibility and testing implications and to include the wired‑hardware proposal in the redline draft for TGDC review under the agreed timetable.
