Use of technology or data for unapproved or illegal activities.
What is unauthorized use?
The term Unauthorized Use refers to use of a system, account, device, data, credential, or resource without permission or beyond the access that was granted. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How is unauthorized use used in cybersecurity?
In practice, Unauthorized Use is applied to the technical or security purpose captured by its definition: use of a system, account, device, data, credential, or resource without permission or beyond the access that was granted. Organizations combine that function with documented procedures, authorized access, testing, monitoring, and controls appropriate to the system.
Why does unauthorized use matter for election security?
Understanding Unauthorized Use matters because the concept can affect security, reliability, auditability, or trusted operation. In this glossary context, it refers to use of a system, account, device, data, credential, or resource without permission or beyond the access that was granted.
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Use of technology or data for unapproved or illegal activities.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Unauthorized Use. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/unauthorized-use
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