AZ SB1642

Requires counties to establish a dedicated gateway computer by the 2022 primary election used solely for transferring election data between internet-connected systems and election management systems via removable storage devices.

Prohibits the gateway computer from being used for any purpose other than downloading ballot data or uploading election results and requires it to be disconnected from networks when transferring data to or from removable devices.

Mandates security protocols including current operating system updates, endpoint protection software with scanning, firewall restrictions, disabled wireless functions, and physical security measures comparable to other election equipment.

Requires the gateway computer to run only endpoint protection and web browser software, prohibits wireless peripherals, and restricts connections to specified internet protocol addresses such as election vendor and Secretary of State sites.

Establishes administrative access controls by disabling default administrator accounts, creating customized accounts with limited privileges, and requiring standard operations to run without administrator rights.