Measures and controls that ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the information processed and stored by a computer. Source: NSA/CSS Manual Number 3-16 (COMSEC) Rationale: Term has been replaced by the term "cybersecurity".
What does COMPUSEC mean?
The term Computer Security (COMPUSEC) refers to measures and controls intended to preserve the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information processed and stored by computers; the older term is often superseded by cybersecurity. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How is computer security (COMPUSEC) used in cybersecurity?
In practice, Computer Security (COMPUSEC) is applied to the technical or security purpose captured by its definition: measures and controls intended to preserve the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information processed and stored by computers. Organizations combine that function with documented procedures, authorized access, testing, monitoring, and controls appropriate to the system.
Why does computer security (COMPUSEC) matter for election security?
Understanding Computer Security (COMPUSEC) matters because the concept can affect security, reliability, auditability, or trusted operation. In this glossary context, it refers to measures and controls intended to preserve the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information processed and stored by computers.
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Measures and controls that ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the information processed and stored by a computer. Source: NSA/CSS Manual Number 3-16 (COMSEC) Rationale: Term has been replaced by the term "cybersecurity".
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Computer Security (compusec) (c.f.d.). In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/computer-security-compusec-c-f-d
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