The November election is rapidly approaching and the concerns of cyber security continues to grow.

Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson has announced a new strategy to combat this issue, by announcing the creation of a new certificate at Ball State University for election officials to learn more about cyber protection.

The Certificate in Election Administration, Technology and Security, or CEATS, was developed by Ball State’s Voting System and Technical Oversight Program to provide instruction on voting systems, information technology, security basics, election law and much more.

Let’s break down how it works: election officials from several Indiana counties will be trained and educated in a number of diverse areas; which includes cyber security. This in effort to help take extra precaution to enhance the State of Indiana’s election security readiness.

The program received applications from 92 counties across the state, and several officials were selected for training. Among those selected include several Wabash Valley election officials.

Lori Davis, Jaymie Duerlinger, LaDonna Ingram, Cody Kiefling and Kathy Martin will represent Vigo County and Amy Jordan will be representing Clay County.

“I wish to congratulate those admitted to the first-ever CEATS program at Ball State University, said Secretary Lawson. “this program represents an exciting new chapter in our ongoing efforts surrounding election preparedness. I want to thank in particular VSTOP Co-Directors Jay Bagga and Bryan Byers, who have put significant time and effort into the development of this program.”

The group will begin the program on Monday, August 27. The program will select a new group of officials to be admitted every six months, beginning in August and February.