Fail Safe v/s Fail over v/s Fail Secure from Logical Security Perspective

ash.mur

Hello Guys

I am confused with the explanations on Fail Safe v/s Fail over v/s Fail Secure given in various materials. Let me clarify , i am sure about these concepts when it comes to Physical security, but from Logical security perspective , i am not sure about the actual meaning of above terminologies. If i am not wrong these terminologies comes in Security architecture and design domain.

Can i request the forum help in understanding the terminologies

teancum144

Logical Security

• Fail Open/Soft (availability is preserved, but data may not be secure)
• Fail Secure/Closed (data is secure, but availability is not preserved)

Physical Security

• Fail Safe/Open (systems are shut down / entrances unlocked - humans are safe)
• Fail Secure/Closed (entrances are locked)

Failover is a fault tolerance (redundancy) concept. If you have two redundant NICs -- a primary and a backup -- and the primary fails, the backup is used. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Failover

ash.mur

Hey teancum144, thanks a lot for that nice explanation.it is pretty straightforward and precise, helps me to remember easily.

mailkc

How about Fail Soft in Physical Security ?

teancum144

mailkc wrote: »

How about Fail Soft in Physical Security ?

Older sources, indicate that fail soft in physical security is synonymous with unlocked. Current sources don't appear to apply the term to physical security. Similarly, current texts imply that fail safe only applies to physical security. Here are some relevant links from older sources:

• See answer 48: CISSP Practice Questions Exam Cram, Second Edition > Physical Security > Answers and Explanations - Pg. : Safari Books Online
• The Security Risk Assessment Handbook: A Complete Guide for Performing ... - Douglas J. Landoll, Douglas Landoll - Google Books
• Browser search the word "fail" at the following page: CISSP (EC) Physical Security 041 to 050 Flashcards - Cram.com
• See section 2.3 under "door": http://home.pacific.net.hk/~kplab/CISSP_Exam_Notes_Physical_Security_v1.1.pdf

mailkc

May be but CISSP Practice Questions Exam Cram, Second Edition states that - If a door is considered fail-soft, it remains unlocked during a power outage.
From a number of sources I have been able to gather the below information. Can someone confirm the accuracy of the same?