Security Mechanism

Something that enforces a security policy, either in whole or part

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Types of security mechanisms

• Mechanisms based on prevention (Ensures that an aspect of a security policy cannot be violated)
• Mechanisms based on detection (Determines whether a security policy has been violated)
• Mechanisms based on recovery (Being able to revert back to a secure state after a security policy has been violated)

Mechanism controls

• Physical
• Hardware
• Software
• Cryptography and cryptographic primitives
• etc.

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