Ohio’s elections chief has ordered county election boards to undergo a host of security upgrades that he says will guard against cyber-attacks and other threats ahead of the 2020 election. Republican Secretary of State, Frank LaRose said up to $12 million in the "Help America Vote Act" funding is available for the effort.

His Tuesday proposal requires the 88 boards to request risk and vulnerability assessments, remote system testing, communications reviews and in-depth hunts for cyber threats from the Department of Homeland Security by July 19th.

It also requires boards to install special intrusion detection devices and so-called “black box” tools providing system security, and to use secure email systems.

Annual security training and background checks for sensitive employees were also ordered. Boards will have until January 31st to complete the upgrades.