Computer emergency response teams (CERT) are groups of subject matter experts which handle computer security incidents.The CERT typically researches vulnerabilities and develops security solutions, information and training to relevant network, computer, and internet security problems. Alternative names for such groups include computer emergency readiness team and computer security incident response team (CSIRT).
The first CERT team (CERT-CC) was developed at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). The term CERT was later used by others; later variations such as CSIRT arose to differentiate the groups focus on incidents rather than tech support work.
Many CERT teams have developed over the years with the massive growth in the misuse of information and increasing security threat landscape. The CERT/CSIRT role is present in most large organizations, universities and nation states.