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Guatemala's Electoral Tribunal Restricts Electronic Devices to Boost Cybersecurity
🇬🇹 Guatemala /Crime & Justice

Guatemala's Electoral Tribunal Restricts Electronic Devices to Boost Cybersecurity

From Prensa Libre · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Guatemala's Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has implemented new security measures, including restricting electronic devices for visitors, to prevent cyberattacks.
  • The measure, detailed by security chief Carlos Edmundo Gil Morales, aims to protect the institution's information systems and is a response to recent cyber threats against state institutions.
  • Visitors can store devices in provided lockers, and designated areas remain available for communication, with officials stating the protocol does not violate constitutional rights.

Guatemala's Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) is tightening security by prohibiting visitors from bringing electronic devices like phones into its facilities. Carlos Edmundo Gil Morales, the newly appointed head of security, explained that this preventive measure is a response to a rise in cyberattacks targeting state institutions.

In cybersecurity, this is one of the issues the TSE is pushing due to so many attacks that have occurred in institutions. But we have determined established protocols in law to apply strategies, especially in areas where there is information vulnerability.

— Carlos Edmundo Gil MoralesCarlos Edmundo Gil Morales, head of security at the TSE, explaining the rationale behind the new security measures.

The TSE aims to bolster its cybersecurity defenses, following recommendations from its technical staff to prevent vulnerabilities in its computer systems. Gil Morales stated that the protocol is designed to safeguard sensitive information crucial for electoral democracy, particularly in areas identified as having information vulnerabilities.

There are spaces where there is information that must be protected to guarantee electoral democracy. We have delimited through protocols the areas where vulnerabilities exist.

— Carlos Edmundo Gil MoralesCarlos Edmundo Gil Morales, head of security at the TSE, justifying the need for restricted access in certain areas.

To accommodate visitors, the TSE has installed lockers where electronic devices can be stored. Gil Morales estimates that around 100 people visit the TSE's central office daily. He assured that the restrictions are not intended to infringe upon citizens' rights, emphasizing that designated areas are still available for communication. The security chief asserted that the measure aligns with legal protocols and does not violate constitutional guarantees or freedom of expression, citing flexibility in its application.

It is not being prohibited in its entirety; there are designated areas where you can make your communications.

— Carlos Edmundo Gil MoralesCarlos Edmundo Gil Morales, head of security at the TSE, clarifying that communication is still possible in certain zones.

While the specific risks being mitigated were not detailed, the TSE's new protocol reflects a broader trend of state institutions enhancing their digital security in the face of increasing cyber threats. The measure seeks to balance the need for institutional protection with the public's right to access electoral services.

As head of security, I limit myself solely to the provisions of my comprehensive security prevention plan, on issues of security, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. No right is being denied, because flexibility criteria are being applied.

— Carlos Edmundo Gil MoralesCarlos Edmundo Gil Morales, head of security at the TSE, asserting that the measures do not infringe on fundamental rights.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Prensa Libre in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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