INEC Rules Out Hacking, Launches Probe Into Unauthorised Access To Voter Registration Database
Concerns over the security of Nigeria’s voter database have prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to launch an investigation into the unauthorised release of information from its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) system, but the electoral body insists there was no hacking or external breach of its database.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said preliminary findings from its audit trail showed that the information in question was accessed using valid credentials assigned to personnel involved in the ongoing CVR exercise and was subsequently disclosed without authorisation.
The Commission clarified that the incident, which reportedly involved the publication of information on a candidate in a recent political party primary in the Federal Capital Territory, did not compromise its broader voter registration infrastructure or the personal data of more than 90 million registered voters.
According to INEC, investigations have already identified the user account through which the information was accessed.
Relevant personnel have been questioned, while all units connected to the incident are cooperating with the ongoing probe.
“The audit trail indicates there was no external breach of the CVR database, no hacking incident, and no unauthorised external access to the Commission’s ICT infrastructure,” the Commission stated.
INEC said it is examining all technical, administrative and operational factors surrounding the incident to establish responsibility and determine whether internal access-control protocols were violated.
The electoral body also disclosed that the Department of State Services (DSS) has commenced an independent investigation and pledged to cooperate fully with security agencies.
It warned that anyone found culpable would face appropriate legal action.
INEC urged the public and the media to disregard speculation while investigations continue, assuring Nigerians of its commitment to safeguarding voter data and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
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