data - Glossary | CSRC (2024)

Definitions:

Information in a specific representation, usually as a sequence of symbols that have meaning.
Sources:
CNSSI 4009-2015 from IETF RFC 4949 Ver 2

A variable-length string of zero or more (eight-bit) bytes.
Sources:
NIST SP 800-56B Rev. 2 under Data

Distinct pieces of digital information that have been formatted in a specific way.
Sources:
NIST SP 800-86 under Data

Pieces of information from which “understandable information” is derived.
Sources:
NIST SP 800-88 Rev. 1 under Data

A subset of information in an electronic format that allows it to be retrieved or transmitted.
Sources:
NIST SP 1800-10B under Data from CNSSI 4009-2015
NIST SP 1800-25B under Data
NIST SP 1800-26B under Data from CNSSI 4009-2015

Representation of facts, concepts, or instructions in a manner suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing by humans or by automatic means.
Sources:
NIST SP 800-160v1r1

Collection of values assigned to base measures, derived measures, and/or indicators.
Sources:
NIST SP 800-160v1r1 from ISO/IEC/IEEE 15939:2017

Re-interpretable representation of information in a formalized manner suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing.
Sources:
NIST SP 800-188

A representation of information as stored or transmitted.
Sources:
NISTIR 4734 under Data

Any piece of information suitable for use in a computer.
Sources:
NISTIR 7693 under Data

A representation of information, including digital and non-digital formats.
Sources:
NIST Privacy Framework Version 1.0 under Data

Glossary Comments

Comments about specific definitions should be sent to the authors of the linked Source publication. For NIST publications, an email is usually found within the document.

Comments about the glossary's presentation and functionality should be sent to [email protected].

See NISTIR 7298 Rev. 3 for additional details.