countermeasure

A countermeasure is an action, process, device, or system that can prevent, or mitigate the effects of, threats to a computer, server or network. In this context, a threat is a potential or actual adverse event that may be malicious or incidental, and that can compromise the assets of an enterprise or the integrity of a computer or network.

Countermeasures can take the form of software, hardware and modes of behavior. Software countermeasures include:

• personal firewalls
• application firewalls
• anti-virus software
• pop-up blockers
• spyware detection/removal programs.

• biometric authentication systems
• physical restriction of access to computers and peripherals
• intrusion detectors
• alarms.

• frequent deletion of stored cookies and temporary files from Web browsers
• regular scanning for viruses and other malware
• regular installation of updates and patches for operating systems
• refusing to click on links that appear within e-mail messages
• refraining from opening e-mail messages and attachments from unknown senders
• staying away from questionable Web sites
• regularly backing up data on external media.

In military applications, a countermeasure is a system or strategy intended to prevent an enemy from compromising a target. This can be done by shielding, concealing or moving the target, creating decoys or otherwise confusing the enemy.