In a published report the three researchers explain and demonstrate how easy it is for criminals to introduce malicious software to the machine. In less than one minute, a virus can be introduced which will steal votes, spread from machine to machine through memory cards, and can hide its tracks. The software can even delete itself from the machines at the end of elections.The report suggested the machine's software and hardware be updated and strict election procedures be implemented.

But a Diebold executive disagreed and said that the e-voting machine used for the research project has security software that is two generations old.

"By any standard--academic or common sense--the study is unrealistic and inaccurate," Dave Byrd, Diebold Election Systems president, said in a statement.

The purpose of an election is to accurately measure the intent of the voters. The challenge is to convince the losing candidate and his supporters that he truly lost the election. Sufficient evidence can only come from a combination of properly-engineered technology and robust procedures for handling it. What this study aimed to prove is that we can all benefit from a system that can supply that evidence.

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