An unstayed mast is a type of mast used in various structures, including antennas and sailing vessels, that stands upright without the need for supporting wires or cables (stays). In cybersecurity, the term may be used metaphorically to describe systems or components that operate independently, without external supports or dependencies. The main advantage of an unstayed mast is its simplified construction and installation, reducing setup time and potential points of failure. However, this design may require the mast itself to be stronger and more robust to withstand environmental forces, as it cannot rely on external bracing. Understanding the concept of an unstayed mast can help when designing resilient, self-sufficient systems in both physical and digital security contexts.