1. Purpose. This memorandum provides information about three initiatives from the 2020 Vision Election Security plan.
2. Background. The soft deadline for installing the endpoint testing software on devices that will access WisVote is on December 20, 2019. The WEC is also announcing two security initiatives to protect critical information and improve our crisis communication strategy.
3. Endpoint Testing. WisVote users must have endpoint testing software installed before January 28, 2020. Please do not wait until the last minute! The sooner you install the software, the faster we can all identify and address any concerns or questions. The WEC will use an endpoint testing software to validate device security. This means that every computer connecting to Wisconsin voter registration database will be checked to verify its security before access is permitted. In addition to protecting the network, this process will also allow the WEC to alert users if a problem is detected. This initiative requires users to install a small application on any computers used to access WisVote. For more information about endpoint testing, please refer to the clerk communication published on October 30.
a) Timeline.
Endpoint Testing Implementation Timeline
November 22, 2019 – December 20, 2019 Municipalities install endpoint testing software
January 28, 2020 -- WisVote requires endpoint testing to grant access
b) Training: WEC staff held three webinars on endpoint testing and its installation process. A recording of the webinar and install instructions can be found on the Learning Center.
Note: The installation process is very simple and typically takes no longer than 5 minutes. You or your IT support contact may be comfortable with the install after reviewing the instructions and “IT Staff FAQ”, but please contact us with any questions or concerns.
4. WisVote News. Starting in January 2020, all information relating to WisVote will be posted exclusively in the Learning Center or available under the “WisVote News” tile on the WisVote home screen. WisVote users will receive a notification email when new information is posted in WisVote News. Most clerk communications will continue to be posted to the Recent Clerk Communications page. WisVote News will be covered in an upcoming webinar in January 2020.
5. RAVE Crisis Communication. The WEC will launch the RAVE communication tool in January 2020. The tool is intended to be used only in emergencies, where the WEC has information that needs to be shared immediately. It can contact thousands of users via phone, email, or text with just a few clicks. Clerks will be automatically enrolled in the system with the contact information we have on file as the main contact. Once enrolled, clerks will receive an email with RAVE login information. Then you will be able to add personal contact information and contact information for additional office staff if they wish to receive crisis communications from the WEC.
a) Scope. Ideally, the WEC will use this system on rare occasions. However, in the event of a security threat, interruption of service to WisVote or MyVote, or in cases of widespread misinformation, the WEC may contact clerks with time sensitive and actionable information.
b) Timeline. WEC staff intend to enroll jurisdictions into RAVE on January 9. We will then test the system with a test alert on January 23.
c) Training. RAVE Crisis Communication will be covered in an upcoming webinar in January 2020.
6. Summary of Action Items
- Install endpoint testing software as soon as possible. Instructions and the software download link are located on the Learning Center under the “Security Awareness” tile. Please contact the WEC HelpDesk if you need access to the Learning Center.
- Review and update your contact information in the RAVE system when you are notified of enrollment in January 2020. Login information will be provided in the enrollment email.
7. Questions. If you have any questions not covered in the attached FAQs, please contact the WEC Help Desk if you have any questions. Call 608-261-2028 or e-mail @email.