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Definition

Communications security (COMSEC) material is

[a]ll documents, devices, equipment, or apparatus, including cryptomaterial, used in establishing or maintaining secure communications.[1]
that material used to protect U.S. Government transmissions, communications, and the processing of classified or sensitive unclassified information related to national security from unauthorized persons and that material used to ensure the authenticity of such communications.[2]
[a]n item designed to secure or authenticate telecommunications. COMSEC material includes, but is not limited to key, equipment, devices, documents, firmware, or software that embodies or describes cryptographic logic and other items that perform COMSEC functions.[3]

References

  1. U.S. Department of Defense, Joint Pub. 1–02: DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms (Nov. 8, 2010, as amended through May 15, 2011) (full-text).
  2. Communications Security Material System (CMS) Policy and Procedures Manual, at 1-2 (full-text).
  3. 12 FAM 090 (full-text).
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