
Strengthening Democracy
Capstone Technologies Group's Role in the 2018 Ohio Election Audit
Ensuring election security through expert cybersecurity and IT solutions
Executive Summary
Election security continues to be a pressing issue as cyber threats grow more sophisticated. Recognizing the urgency of maintaining the public’s trust in electoral integrity, Ohio launched the 2018 Ohio Election Audit under Directive 2018-15 in partnership with Clark State Community College. Capstone Technologies Group played a key role in this initiative, providing cybersecurity expertise to secure the backbone of democracy—our election systems. This white paper reveals how the audit was conducted, the challenges it addressed, and the high-level outcomes that underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity partnerships.
1. Introduction & Background
As technology becomes more intertwined with voting processes, election systems face unprecedented digital vulnerabilities. Breaches of voter databases, tampering attempts, and misinformation campaigns can undermine public confidence in election outcomes. To safeguard Ohio’s election infrastructure, officials took a proactive step with the 2018 Ohio Election Audit, focusing on Clark County to evaluate and strengthen systems against these emerging threats.

Helping To Secure Our Community
This audit was not just a technical drill. It signified Ohio’s commitment to election security by involving cybersecurity experts, including Capstone Technologies Group. Their mandate was to identify vulnerabilities, recommend mitigation strategies, and preserve the integrity of one of our most essential democratic functions—the vote.
2. The Security Landscape
Modern election systems are high-value targets for cyber adversaries aiming to disrupt democratic processes. Potential threats include:
- Database Breaches: Unauthorized access to voter registration databases.
- Misinformation Campaigns: Attempts to sway public opinion or reduce voter confidence.
- System Exploits: Attacks on hardware and software used for ballot tallying or reporting.
Each threat can erode voter trust and disrupt the integrity of the election process. Ohio’s decision to conduct a rigorous audit was an acknowledgment of these risks and a proactive measure to counter them.
3. Capstone Technologies Group’s Expertise
Capstone Technologies Group stands at the forefront of cybersecurity, offering solutions such as network security, risk management, and data protection. With over two decades of experience, the team is known for:
- Compliance Mastery: In-depth familiarity with HIPAA, PCI DSS, NIST, and CMMC frameworks.
- Advanced Cybersecurity Services: Continuous monitoring, vulnerability assessments, and incident response tailored for high-stakes environments.
- Proven Track Record: Success in sensitive sectors like healthcare, law, and finance.
When Clark State Community College and other audit stakeholders sought a reliable cybersecurity partner, they selected Capstone. Their depth of technical skill and regulatory expertise made them a strong asset in protecting a system as critical as an election infrastructure.
4. Audit Methodology & Approach
The 2018 Ohio Election Audit centered on Clark County and involved several phases:
- Documentation Review: Detailed examination of existing security protocols, configurations, and compliance documents.
- Onsite Visits & Interviews: Observations of election systems in operation, plus interviews with key personnel for day-to-day security insights.
- Further Assessments & Requests: Additional onsite evaluations based on initial findings, leading to more documentation requests.
- Review Meetings & Ongoing Interviews: Regular discussions to refine approaches and ensure alignment with audit objectives.
- Continual Research: Monitoring emerging cyber threats and evaluating system readiness against future challenges.
Working alongside Clark State faculty and other cybersecurity professionals, Capstone completed most of the 88-item audit checklist. Their meticulous approach helped uncover vulnerabilities and shape strategic recommendations.
5. Findings & Outcomes
The audit results remain largely confidential, but the overarching successes include:
- Identification of Vulnerabilities: Pinpointed both technical and procedural weaknesses within voting systems.
- Security Enhancements: Recommended upgrades to hardware, software, and physical security procedures to reduce potential exploitation.
- Compliance Alignment: Assessed adherence to state and federal cybersecurity regulations, ensuring Clark County could strengthen its standing.
By leading these improvements, Capstone reinforced the foundation of Ohio’s democratic processes. This blueprint for proactive election security continues to guide other counties and states aiming to protect their electoral systems from cyber threats.
6. Capstone’s Broader Commitment to IT Excellence
Capstone Technologies Group doesn’t only focus on election audits. Their suite of IT services includes:
- Network Security & Management: Defending client infrastructures against evolving cyber threats.
- Data Protection & Privacy: Safeguarding sensitive information with advanced encryption and strict privacy measures.
- Risk Management & Compliance: Guiding organizations through regulatory frameworks with confidence.
Clients praise Capstone for their smooth integration with internal teams, timely support, and ability to meet complex compliance requirements. Whether it’s a healthcare practice upgrading to electronic records or a law firm securing confidential case data, Capstone tailors solutions to fit unique needs.
7. The Path Forward
Cyber threats targeting electoral processes will likely become more diverse and sophisticated. The 2018 Ohio Election Audit demonstrates how a proactive, well-planned approach to cybersecurity can uphold public trust. As new vulnerabilities surface, partnerships with experts like Capstone are crucial for organizations that want to stay ahead in a rapidly changing digital environment.
This white paper underscores how Capstone’s proven methodologies, ongoing vigilance, and collaborative mindset form a protective shield around critical infrastructure. Election audits are one example, but the same proactive and diligent strategies apply across industries where trust and data integrity are paramount.
Ready To Strengthen Your Security Posture?
Capstone Technologies Group is dedicated to fortifying your organization against cyber threats. From election infrastructure to healthcare data, our proactive strategies and skilled team deliver solutions that preserve trust and resiliency. Contact us today and discover how our all-inclusive, fixed-fee managed IT services can empower your business to run more securely, efficiently, and mission-focused—every single day.
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References
- Directive 2018-15– Ohio Secretary of State Official Directive
- Clark State Community College Announcement
- Clark State & Election Board Team Up