Protection resulting from measures taken to deny unauthorized individuals information derived from intercept and analysis of compromising emissions from crypto-equipment or an information system. See TEMPEST. (CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR)
What does EMSEC mean?
The term Emanations Security (EMSEC) refers to measures used to protect against compromising emanations that could unintentionally reveal sensitive or classified information from electronic equipment. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How is emanations security (EMSEC) used in cryptography or COMSEC?
In practice, Emanations Security (EMSEC) is applied to the technical or security purpose captured by its definition: measures used to protect against compromising emanations that could unintentionally reveal sensitive or classified information from electronic equipment. Organizations combine that function with documented procedures, authorized access, testing, monitoring, and controls appropriate to the system.
Why does emanations security (EMSEC) need security controls?
Understanding Emanations Security (EMSEC) matters because the concept can affect security, reliability, auditability, or trusted operation. In this glossary context, it refers to measures used to protect against compromising emanations that could unintentionally reveal sensitive or classified information from electronic equipment.
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Protection resulting from measures taken to deny unauthorized individuals information derived from intercept and analysis of compromising emissions from crypto-equipment or an information system. See TEMPEST. (CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR)
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Emanations Security (emsec). In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/emanations-security-emsec
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