computer security

Measures to implement and assure security services in a computer system, particularly those that assure access control service.

Usage: Usually refers to internal controls (functions, features, and technical characteristics) that are implemented in software (especially in operating systems); sometimes refers to internal controls implemented in hardware; rarely used to refer to external controls.

"The protection afforded to an automated information system in order to attain the applicable objectives of preserving the integrity, availability and confidentiality of information system resources (includes hardware, software, firmware, information/data, and telecommunications)." [SP12]