(COMSEC) A component of Information Assurance that deals with measures and controls taken to deny unauthorized persons information derived from telecommunications and to ensure the authenticity of such telecommunications. COMSEC includes crypto security, transmission security, emissions security, and physical security of COMSEC material. (CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR) The protection resulting from all measures designed to deny unauthorized persons information of value that might be derived from the possession and study of telecommunications, or to mislead unauthorized persons in their interpretation of the results of such possession and study. Communications security includes: cryptosecurity, transmission security, emission security, and physical security. Also called COMSEC. (This term and its definition are provided for information and are proposed for inclusion in the next edition of JP 1-02 by JP 6-0.) (Jt Pub 3-13)
What is communications security (COMSEC)?
Communications security, or COMSEC, is the protection of telecommunications and communications from unauthorized access, disclosure, interception, modification, or exploitation. It includes disciplines such as cryptographic security, transmission security, emissions security, and physical or procedural protection of COMSEC material. The exact controls depend on the communications environment and governing security policy.
What does COMSEC protect?
COMSEC protects the confidentiality and authenticity of communications, the cryptographic keys and devices used to secure them, and in some contexts the characteristics of transmissions that could reveal sensitive information. Programs can include approved encryption, key management, equipment accountability, secure handling, transmission safeguards, and incident reporting for compromised communications-security material.
How is COMSEC different from general cybersecurity?
COMSEC is narrower than general cybersecurity. Cybersecurity covers protection of systems, networks, software, and data broadly, while COMSEC focuses specifically on securing communications and associated cryptographic material. The disciplines overlap, especially in networked environments, but a COMSEC requirement may impose specialized key-management, equipment, accounting, or handling controls beyond ordinary IT security.
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
(COMSEC) A component of Information Assurance that deals with measures and controls taken to deny unauthorized persons information derived from telecommunications and to ensure the authenticity of such telecommunications. COMSEC includes crypto security, transmission security, emissions security, and physical security of COMSEC material. (CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR) The protection resulting from all measures designed to deny unauthorized persons information of value that might be derived from the possession and study of telecommunications, or to mislead unauthorized persons in their interpretation of the results of such possession and study. Communications security includes: cryptosecurity, transmission security, emission security, and physical security. Also called COMSEC. (This term and its definition are provided for information and are proposed for inclusion in the next edition of JP 1-02 by JP 6-0.) (Jt Pub 3-13)
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Communications Security. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/communications-security
Sources
01
High consensus
02
Multi-source
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.