Glossary
Term Description
Cryptology
Field encompassing both cryptography and cryptanalysis. The combination of cryptography and cryptanalysis. The science that deals with hidden, disguised, or encrypted communications. It embraces communications security and communications intelligence.
Cryptosystem
A general term referring to a set of cryptographic primitives used to provide information security services. Associated INFOSEC items interacting to provide a single means of encryption or decryption. System in which a shared secret key or pairs of public and private keys are used by communicating parties to facilitate secure communication.
CSMA/CD
Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detect. Carrier Sensing Multiple Access with Collision Detection
CSU/DSU
Channel Service Unit/ Digital Service UnitChannel service unit/digital service unit. See channel service unit/data service unit.
Custodian
A person who has been assigned or delegated the day-to-day responsibilities of classifying and labeling objects and properly storing and protecting objects. The custodian is typically the IT staff or the system security administrator. An individual who has possession of or is otherwise charged with the responsibility for safeguarding and accounting for classified information.
DAC
(1) Discretionary access control. (2) Dual attached concentrator. Discretionary Access Control
Data aggregation
Compilation of unclassified individual data systems and data elements that could result in the totality of the information being classified or of beneficial use to an adversary. See Part II, 45 CFR 164. 501.
Data Classification
Data classification is the assigning a level of sensitivity to data as they are being created, amended, enhanced, stored, or transmitted. The classification of the data should then determine the extent to which the data need to be controlled/secured and is also indicative of its value in terms of its importance to the organization. Grouping data under labels for the purpose of applying security controls and access restrictions.
Data Definition Language (DDL)
A set of instructions or commands used to define data for the data dictionary. A data definition language (DDL) is used to describe the structure of a database. The database programming language that allows for the creation and modification of the database’s structure (known as the schema).
Data Dictionary
A document or listing defining all items or processes represented in a data flow diagram or used in a system. Central repository of data elements and their relationships. Stores critical information about data usage, relationships, sources, and formats.