User

Primary definition

1. Individual, or (system) process acting on behalf of an individual, authorized to access an information system. Source: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4 2. An individual who is required to use COMSEC material in the performance of his/her official duties and who is responsible for safeguarding that COMSEC material. See hand receipt holder and local element. Source: CNSSI No. 4005 (COMSEC); NSA/CSS Manual Number 3-16 (COMSEC)

Also known asend user · account holder · operator · subscriber · client · authenticated entity · authorized user · system user · COMUSER · COMSEC user
2 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 10, 2026
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015View source

Understand more election terms clearly

Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.

Free. One useful email each week. Unsubscribe anytime.Learn more about the ESG newsletter →
CNSSGC

1. Individual, or (system) process acting on behalf of an individual, authorized to access an information system. Source: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4 2. An individual who is required to use COMSEC material in the performance of his/her official duties and who is responsible for safeguarding that COMSEC material. See hand receipt holder and local element. Source: CNSSI No. 4005 (COMSEC); NSA/CSS Manual Number 3-16 (COMSEC)

Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015 · 2024

Cite this term

Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). User. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/user

Sources

2 cited · last checked Aug 10, 2026

01

Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015

High consensus

View source

02

The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary

Disputed

View source

Get the weekly election term

Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.

Get election terms explained weekly →
Free · Nonpartisan · Unsubscribe anytime.
Continue Research

Keep going from here

Three ways to go deeper on access control and adjacent terminology.