Software

High Consensus

Firmware

Primary definition

Computer programs and data stored in hardware - typically in read-only memory (ROM) or programmable read-only memory (PROM) - such that the programs and data cannot be dynamically written or modified during execution of the programs. Source: IETF RFC 4949 Ver 2

Also known asFW · firm ware · firm-ware · microcode · embedded software · ROM software · PROM software
8 sources cited2 related termsReviewed Aug 9, 2026
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015View source

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CNSSGC

Computer programs and data stored in hardware - typically in read-only memory (ROM) or programmable read-only memory (PROM) - such that the programs and data cannot be dynamically written or modified during execution of the programs. Source: IETF RFC 4949 Ver 2

Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015 · 2024

Cite this term

Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Firmware. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/firmware

Sources

8 cited · last checked Aug 9, 2026

01

Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015

High consensus

View source

02

Electronic Voting Glossary
Electronic Voting Glossary

Multi-source

View source

03

March 2020 CSC Report
March 2020 CSC Report

Multi-source

View source

04

EAC Glossary of Terms
EAC Glossary of Terms

Multi-source

View source

05

EAC Information Technology Terminology
EAC Information Technology Terminology

Multi-source

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06

Voter Protection Project Glossary
Voter Protection Project Glossary

Multi-source

View source

07

NIST Election Glossary
NIST Election Glossary

Disputed

View source

08

The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary

Multi-source

View source

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