An information system service (e.g., telecommunications service) provided by a commercial service provider typically to a large and diverse set of consumers. The organization acquiring and/or receiving the commodity service possesses limited visibility into the management structure and operations of the provider, and while the organization may be able to negotiate service-level agreements, the organization is typically not in a position to require that the provider implement specific security controls. Source: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4
What is commodity service?
The term Commodity Service refers to a widely available commercial service rather than a unique or specially developed capability; the exact meaning depends on the referenced security or procurement context. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How is commodity service used in cybersecurity?
In practice, Commodity Service is applied to the technical or security purpose captured by its definition: a widely available commercial service rather than a unique or specially developed capability. Organizations combine that function with documented procedures, authorized access, testing, monitoring, and controls appropriate to the system. The governing standard or security policy determines the exact implementation.
Why does commodity service matter for election security?
Understanding Commodity Service matters because the concept can affect security, reliability, auditability, or trusted operation. In this glossary context, it refers to a widely available commercial service rather than a unique or specially developed capability. Applying the term precisely helps teams choose controls that match the actual technical function instead of assuming a broader or unrelated meaning.
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An information system service (e.g., telecommunications service) provided by a commercial service provider typically to a large and diverse set of consumers. The organization acquiring and/or receiving the commodity service possesses limited visibility into the management structure and operations of the provider, and while the organization may be able to negotiate service-level agreements, the organization is typically not in a position to require that the provider implement specific security controls. Source: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Commodity Service. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/commodity-service
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