Redundancy

Primary definition

Additional or alternative systems, sub-systems, assets, or processes that maintain a degree of overall functionality in case of loss or failure of another system, sub-system, asset, or process.

Also known asbackup · failover · duplication · replication · fallback · contingency
2 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 10, 2026
NICCS GlossaryView source
People also ask

What is redundancy?

The term Redundancy refers to duplication of components, data, communications paths, power, equipment, or functions so a system can continue operating when one element fails. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.

How is redundancy used in cybersecurity?

In practice, Redundancy is applied to the technical or security purpose captured by its definition: duplication of components, data, communications paths, power, equipment, or functions so a system can continue operating when one element fails. Organizations combine that function with documented procedures, authorized access, testing, monitoring, and controls appropriate to the system.

Why does redundancy matter for election security?

Understanding Redundancy matters because the concept can affect security, reliability, auditability, or trusted operation. In this glossary context, it refers to duplication of components, data, communications paths, power, equipment, or functions so a system can continue operating when one element fails.

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NICCS

Additional or alternative systems, sub-systems, assets, or processes that maintain a degree of overall functionality in case of loss or failure of another system, sub-system, asset, or process.

NICCS Glossary · 2024

Cite this term

Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Redundancy. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/redundancy

Sources

2 cited · last checked Aug 10, 2026

01

NICCS Glossary
NICCS Glossary

High consensus

View source

02

The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary

Multi-source

View source

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