An assessment usually performed on information system hardware, to determine the security properties of a device when hardware fault is encountered.
What does SFA mean?
The term Security Fault Analysis (SFA) refers to an analysis used to identify security-relevant faults and evaluate whether failures, errors, or abnormal conditions could defeat or weaken required security functions. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How is security fault analysis (SFA) used in testing or certification?
In practice, Security Fault Analysis (SFA) is applied to the technical or security purpose captured by its definition: an analysis used to identify security-relevant faults and evaluate whether failures, errors, or abnormal conditions could defeat or weaken required security functions. Organizations combine that function with documented procedures, authorized access, testing, monitoring, and controls appropriate to the system.
Why does security fault analysis (SFA) matter for assurance?
Understanding Security Fault Analysis (SFA) matters because the concept can affect security, reliability, auditability, or trusted operation. In this glossary context, it refers to an analysis used to identify security-relevant faults and evaluate whether failures, errors, or abnormal conditions could defeat or weaken required security functions.
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An assessment usually performed on information system hardware, to determine the security properties of a device when hardware fault is encountered.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Security Fault Analysis (sfa). In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/security-fault-analysis-sfa
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