host

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CYB-001955",
  "term": "host",
  "field": "Cybersecurity",
  "definition": "1. A host is any hardware device that has the capability of permitting access to a network via a user interface, specialized software, network address, protocol stack, or any other means. Some examples include, but are not limited to, computers, personal electronic devices, thin clients, and multi-functional devices.\n\n2. Almost any kind of computer, including a centralized mainframe that is a host to its terminals, a server that is host to its clients, or a desktop personal computer (PC) that is host to its peripherals. In network architectures, a client station (user’s machine) is also considered a host because it is a source of information to the network, in contrast to a device, such as a router or switch, that directs traffic.",
  "references": [
    "CNSSI 4009-2015 from CNSSI 1012, CNSSI 1013; CNSSI 4009-2022 from CNSSI 1012, CNSSI 1013",
    "NIST SP 800-44 Version 2",
    "NIST CSRC Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/cybersecurity/host/"
}