Equipment designed to provide security to telecommunications by converting information to a form unintelligible to an unauthorized interceptor and, subsequently, by reconverting such information to its original form for authorized recipients; also, equipment designed specifically to aid in, or as an essential element of, the conversion process. COMSEC equipment includes cryptographic-equipment, crypto-ancillary equipment, cryptographic production equipment, and authentication equipment. Source: NSA/CSS Manual Number 3-16 (COMSEC)
What is comsec equipment?
The term Comsec Equipment refers to equipment designed to perform communications-security functions such as encryption, authentication, key handling, secure transmission, or protection of classified communications. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How is comsec equipment used in cryptography or COMSEC?
In practice, Comsec Equipment is applied to the technical or security purpose captured by its definition: equipment designed to perform communications-security functions such as encryption, authentication, key handling, secure transmission, or protection of classified communications. Organizations combine that function with documented procedures, authorized access, testing, monitoring, and controls appropriate to the system.
Why does comsec equipment need security controls?
Understanding Comsec Equipment matters because the concept can affect security, reliability, auditability, or trusted operation. In this glossary context, it refers to equipment designed to perform communications-security functions such as encryption, authentication, key handling, secure transmission, or protection of classified communications.
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Equipment designed to provide security to telecommunications by converting information to a form unintelligible to an unauthorized interceptor and, subsequently, by reconverting such information to its original form for authorized recipients; also, equipment designed specifically to aid in, or as an essential element of, the conversion process. COMSEC equipment includes cryptographic-equipment, crypto-ancillary equipment, cryptographic production equipment, and authentication equipment. Source: NSA/CSS Manual Number 3-16 (COMSEC)
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Comsec Equipment. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/comsec-equipment
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