Software Based Fault Isolation

Primary definition

A method of isolating application modules into distinct fault domains enforced by software. The technique allows untrusted programs written in an unsafe language, such as C, to be executed safely within the single virtual address space of an application. Untrusted machine interpretable code modules are transformed so that all memory accesses are confined to code and data segments within their fault domain. Access to system resources can also be controlled through a unique identifier associated with each domain. (SP 800-19) (NISTIR)

Also known asSFI · Software Fault Isolation · Software-Enforced Fault Isolation
1 sources cited3 related termsReviewed Aug 10, 2026
The Cyber GlossaryView source

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A method of isolating application modules into distinct fault domains enforced by software. The technique allows untrusted programs written in an unsafe language, such as C, to be executed safely within the single virtual address space of an application. Untrusted machine interpretable code modules are transformed so that all memory accesses are confined to code and data segments within their fault domain. Access to system resources can also be controlled through a unique identifier associated with each domain. (SP 800-19) (NISTIR)

The Cyber Glossary · 2024

Cite this term

Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Software Based Fault Isolation. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/software-based-fault-isolation

Sources

1 cited · last checked Aug 10, 2026

01

The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary

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