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Computer Security Resource Center

Computer Security Resource Center

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    Glossary
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countermeasures

Abbreviation(s) and Synonym(s):

safeguards
SAFEGUARDS
security controls

Definition(s):

  Actions, devices, procedures, techniques, or other measures that reduce the vulnerability of an information system.
Source(s):
FIPS 200 under COUNTERMEASURES from CNSSI 4009

  Protective measures prescribed to meet the security requirements (i.e., confidentiality, integrity, and availability) specified for an information system. Safeguards may include security features, management constraints, personnel security, and security of physical structures, areas, and devices.
Source(s):
FIPS 200 under SAFEGUARDS from CNSSI 4009 - Adapted

  Actions, devices, procedures, techniques, or other measures that reduce the vulnerability of an information system. Synonymous with security controls and safeguards.
Source(s):
CNSSI 4009-2015 from NIST SP 800-37 Rev. 1, FIPS 200
NIST SP 800-137 under Countermeasures from CNSSI 4009
NIST SP 800-18 Rev. 1 under Countermeasures from CNSSI 4009
NIST SP 800-37 Rev. 1 [Superseded] under Countermeasures from CNSSI 4009
NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 4 [Superseded] under Countermeasures from CNSSI 4009

  Protective measures prescribed to meet the security objectives (i.e., confidentiality, integrity, and availability) specified for an information system. Safeguards may include security features, management controls, personnel security, and security of physical structures, areas, and devices. Synonymous with security controls and countermeasures.
Source(s):
NIST SP 800-128 under safeguards from CNSSI 4009-2015 - Adapted

  The management, operational, and technical controls (i.e., safeguards or countermeasures) prescribed for an information system to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system and its information.
Source(s):
CNSSI 4009-2015 under security controls from FIPS 199

  A safeguard or countermeasure prescribed for an information system or an organization designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its information and to meet a set of defined security requirements.
Source(s):
NIST SP 800-137A under security controls from NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 4

  The protective measures prescribed to meet the security requirements (i.e., confidentiality, integrity, and availability) specified for an information system. Safeguards may include security features, management constraints, personnel security, and security of physical structures, areas, and devices. Synonymous with security controls and countermeasures.
Source(s):
CNSSI 4009-2015 under safeguards from FIPS 200

  The safeguards or countermeasures prescribed for an information system or an organization to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system and its information.
Source(s):
NIST SP 800-160 Vol. 2 Rev. 1 under security controls from OMB Circular A-130 (2016)
NIST SP 800-160 Vol. 2 [Superseded] under security controls from OMB Circular A-130

  Actions, devices, procedures, techniques, or other measures that reduce the vulnerability of a system. Synonymous with security controls and safeguards.
Source(s):
NIST SP 800-37 Rev. 2
NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5 from FIPS 200