Set consisting of all hardware, software, and firmware of the TOE that must be relied upon for the correct enforcement of the TOE Security Policy (TSP). (CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR)
What does TSF mean?
The term TOE Security Functions (TSF) refers to the hardware, software, and firmware of a Target of Evaluation that must be relied upon to correctly enforce its security policy. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How is TOE security functions (TSF) used in cybersecurity?
In practice, TOE Security Functions (TSF) is applied to the technical or security purpose captured by its definition: the hardware, software, and firmware of a Target of Evaluation that must be relied upon to correctly enforce its security policy. Organizations combine that function with documented procedures, authorized access, testing, monitoring, and controls appropriate to the system.
Why does TOE security functions (TSF) matter for election security?
Understanding TOE Security Functions (TSF) matters because the concept can affect security, reliability, auditability, or trusted operation. In this glossary context, it refers to the hardware, software, and firmware of a Target of Evaluation that must be relied upon to correctly enforce its security policy.
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Set consisting of all hardware, software, and firmware of the TOE that must be relied upon for the correct enforcement of the TOE Security Policy (TSP). (CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR)
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Toe Security Functions (tsf). In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/toe-security-functions-tsf
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