Information, Computer and Network Security Terms Glossary and Dictionary

Tempest

Tempest was the name of a classified (secret) U.S. government project to study (probably for the purpose of both exploiting and guarding against) the susceptibility of some computer and telecommunications devices to emit electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in a manner that can be used to reconstruct intelligible data. Tempest standards define the limitation of electric or electromagnetic radiation emanations from electronic equipment such as microchips, monitors, or printers. It is a counter-intelligence measure aimed at the prevention of radiation espionage, also known as RINT (or RADINT). The term Tempest is often used more broadly for the entire field of compromising emanations or Emissions Security (EMSEC).

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Tempest