COMSEC (communications security)

Communications security (COMSEC) is the prevention of unauthorized access to telecommunications traffic, or to any written information that is transmitted or transferred. There are several COMSEC disciplines, including:

• Cryptographic security - encrypts data and renders it unreadable until the data is decrypted.
• Emission Security - prevents the release or capture of equipment emanations to prevent information from unauthorized interception.
• Physical security - ensures the safety of, and prevents unauthorized access to, a network's cryptographic information, documents and equipment.
• Transmission security - protects unauthorized access when data is physically transferred to prevent issues such as service interruption.