meaning - "Insecure" or "unsecure" when dealing with security?


Which is the appropriate word to be used in the sentence:



The system we were testing was determined to be insecure/unsecure.



The usage is in the context of security, specifically a lack thereof.


I've always said insecure, because I didn't believe unsecure was a word (although unsecured is). Even as I type this, I'm getting a spell check complaint about it. However, I was laughed at once when I called a particular device "insecure."



Answer



I agree with Wayne Johnston, but will add some examples. Insecurity has always meant to me a lack or deficiency of security (in whatever context it is used), as opposed to a potentially secure system not being secure at this present time.


Though, I don't think it's black and white. Here are some examples of how I might use in/un-secure.



He was insecure and felt anxious when he went out with his friends.


The system is insecure and needs work before we can roll it out to production.



On the other hand:



Your bike is unsecured. Don't you have a lock for it?


The rope was unsecured. If he didn't find a hook or tree to secure it soon, the truck would fall into the ravine.



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