firecall

English

Etymology

fire +‎ call

Noun

firecall (plural firecall)

1. A call of fire alarm to a fire station.
2. (computer security) Any method established to provide emergency access to a secure information system. In the event of a critical error or abnormal end, unprivileged users can gain access to key systems to correct the problem. When a firecall is used, there is usually a review process to ensure that the access was used properly to correct a problem. These methods generally either provide a one-time use User ID or one-time password.
   • 1996 August, Computer Incident Response Guidebook, NAVSO P-5239-19, Department of the Navy

     Firecall procedures must include provisions for verifying the identity of the person who needs a password or encryption key during an emergency.

   • 2001 December, Thomas R. Peltier, Information Security Policies, Procedures, and Standards, page 283, CRC Press

     Special procedures and audited “firecall” userids have been established for application, system, and network troubleshooting activities.

   • 2003 September, Terri Hill et al., HP NonStop Server Security, page 92, Digital Press

     All Privileged IDs should be treated as ‘check out’ or ‘firecall’ IDs.

Derived terms

• on firecall