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.
This was last updated in June 2006
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FHWA’s Proven Safety Countermeasures initiative (PSCi) is a collection of 28 countermeasures and strategies effective in reducing roadway fatalities and serious injuries on our Nation’s highways. Transportation agencies are strongly encouraged to consider widespread implementation of PSCs to accelerate the achievement of local, State, and National safety goals. These strategies are designed for all road users and all kinds of roads—from rural to urban, from high-volume freeways to
less traveled two-lane State and county roads, from signalized crossings to horizontal curves, and everything in between. Each countermeasure addresses at least one safety focus area – speed management, intersections, roadway departures, or pedestrians/bicyclists – while others are crosscutting strategies that address multiple safety focus areas. Search Proven Safety Countermeasures.Speed Management
Pedestrian/Bicyclist
Roadway Departure
Intersections
Crosscutting