Fault tree analysis: A method used to systematically analyze the causes of a failure or undesirable event in a system. Using a tree-like diagram, it represents the relationships between the system's components, highlighting potential problems or threats that could lead to a failure.

Feasibility Study: A critical analysis and evaluation of a proposed project or system to determine if it is technically feasible, if it is feasible within the estimated cost, and if it will be profitable or not. This process typically involves evaluating different solutions and recommending the most effective option based on factors such as cost efficiency, technical capabilities, and regulatory compliance.

Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (US): A United States federal law that establishes a code of fair information practices governing the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of personally identifiable information about individuals that is maintained in systems of records by federal agencies. It was enacted in response to concerns about how the creation and use of computerized databases might impact individuals' privacy rights. The Privacy Act requires federal agencies to share information about their records with individuals upon request and to follow various principles, known as "Fair Information Practices," about information collection, use, and disclosure. It also restricts the disclosure of personal data without the consent of the individual.

Federated identity: The means of linking a person's electronic identity and attributes stored across multiple distinct identity management systems. This method allows for users to use the same credentials across various systems and enterprises, improving the user experience, reducing administrative costs, and maintaining a high level of security for confidential information.

Fence: In a physical security context, a fence is a barrier used to enclose or secure an area, typically made from posts connected by boards, wire, or rails, and is designed to prevent intrusion or escape. In computing, fencing can refer to a network security measure that isolates a node or system to protect the rest of the network when a security issue is detected. It also refers to a method of multiprocessing to prevent data corruption by coordinating exclusive access to shared resources.

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): A United States federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. This law applies to all schools that receive funds through an applicable program of the US Department of Education, ensuring that parents have certain rights with respect to their children's education records, and these rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level.