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Computer Security Resource Center

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reference monitor

Abbreviation(s) and Synonym(s):

None

Definition(s):

  The security engineering term for IT functionality that (1) controls all access, (2) cannot be by-passed, (3) is tamper-resistant, and (4) provides confidence that the other three items are true.
Source(s):
NIST SP 800-33 [Withdrawn]

  A set of design requirements on a reference validation mechanism which as key component of an operating system, enforces an access control policy over all subjects and objects. A reference validation mechanism must be: (i) always invoked (i.e., complete mediation); (ii) tamperproof; and (iii) small enough to be subject to analysis and tests, the completeness of which can be assured (i.e., verifiable).
Source(s):
NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 4 under Reference Monitor