Explore our comprehensive Cybersecurity Glossary to understand key terms and concepts. Stay informed about the latest industry terminology.
An actuator is a device that initiates a response to a detected event. In cybersecurity, this event is typically a potential threat or vulnerability.
Advanced systems format (ASF) is a digital audio/digital video container format, especially designed for streaming media.
Algorithms are everywhere in our digital lives, powering the apps and services we use, the websites we visit, and the devices we rely on.
The Arduino is a versatile and popular open-source electronics platform that is widely used in the field of cybersecurity.
The term asynchronous refers to operations that do not happen simultaneously or in a pre-defined order allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency.
In the context of digital communication, attenuation refers to the loss of data signal strength during transmission.
Bespoke software, also known as custom software, is a type of software that is specifically designed and developed for a particular user or organization.
The Boltzmann constant, often denoted by the symbol k or kB, is a fundamental physical constant that plays a pivotal role in the field of statistical mechanics.
The Borland Database Engine (BDE) is a database engine that provides a uniform interface to access different databases in a network.
A botnet is a network of private computers infected with malicious software and controlled as a group without the owners' knowledge.
The term brute force refers to a type of cyber attack where an attacker tries to gain access to a system by guessing the password .
The term cache is derived from French, meaning 'to hide' or 'hidden', which is quite fitting considering its role in the digital world.
Verify you're human and not a bot by solving CAPTCHA's interactive challenges, securing websites from automated threats.
Catfishing refers to the deceptive act of creating a false identity on a social networking service, usually to pursue deceptive online romances.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU), often referred to as the "brain" of a computer, is a critical component of any computing device.
Certified authorization professional (CAP)
The Certified Authorization Professional (CAP) is a globally recognized certification that provides validation of an individual.
A chatbot is a software application designed to interact with humans in their natural languages through internet-based applications.
Chief technology officer (CTO)
The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is a pivotal role in any organization, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity.
Chrome extensions are small software programs that enable users to tailor Chrome functionality and behavior to individual needs or preferences.
A circuit, in the context of computing and electronics, refers to a path or a closed loop through which an electric current can flow.
Communication streaming architecture
Communication streaming architecture refers to the design and implementation of systems that facilitate the real-time transmission of data.
The term compile refers to the process of converting source code, written by humans in high-level programming languages, into machine code.
To maintain high standards, it's crucial to ensure that our business practices consistently align with relevant laws and regulations.
CompuServe, a pioneering online service provider, played a significant role in the early development of the internet.
Computer numerical control (CNC)
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is a technology that uses computers to control and operate machines, which was first introduced in the 1940s and 1950s.
Concurrent use refers to the simultaneous access or operation of a system, application, or data by multiple users.
Ensuring the protection of sensitive information from unauthorized access is a critical component in maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of data.
Credentials refers to the proof of identity that a user presents when attempting to access a system or network.
Cricket phones are part of the Cricket Wireless service, a subsidiary of AT&T Inc., which provides prepaid mobile voice, text, and data services.
Cryptography is a method of protecting information by transforming it (encrypting it) into an unreadable format.
The dark web, often shrouded in mystery and misconceptions, is an integral part of the internet that is not indexed.
A data breach occurs when unauthorized individuals gain access to confidential data, often with malicious intent.
Data Manipulation Language, commonly referred to as DML, is a subset of SQL (Structured Query Language) used for managing data in relational databases.
The term decoupled refers to a system design principle where different components of a system are separated or 'decoupled' from each other.
Deep artificial language learning engine (DALL-E)
DALL-E revolutionizes content creation for businesses by transforming text descriptions into unique and relevant images seamlessly
The default gateway is a key player in ensuring that data is transmitted and received accurately and efficiently across networks.
The term demarcation point refers to the physical point at which a telecommunications provider's network ends and the user's network begins.
The term DMZ or Demilitarized Zone refers to a physical or logical subnetwork that separates an organizations internal networks.
Digital rights management (DRM)
Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a systematic approach to copyright protection for digital media to prevent unauthorized redistribution.
DSL provides high-speed internet over traditional telephone lines for quick connectivity.
The Disjunctive Normal Form (DNF) is a standard way of representing logical formulas in a simplified and standardized form.
Distributed denial of service (DDoS)
A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is a malicious activity in which a network of compromised computers disrupts services.
The Domain Name System (DNS) is a fundamental part of the internet's infrastructure, acting as the internet's phonebook.
Doxing is the act of researching and publicly exposing private or identifying information, breaching personal privacy.
Electronic Data Capture (EDC) is a system designed for the collection of clinical data in electronic format for use mainly in human clinical trials.
Encoding is a process that transforms data into a format that can be easily understood by different systems and devices.
End-user computing (EUC) is a term that refers to systems in which non-programmers can create working applications.
Enterprise data management (EDM)
Enterprise Data Management (EDM) refers to the ability to precisely define and effectively retrieve data for both internal applications and external systems.
The XOR gate is a fundamental building block in many digital systems and is used in a variety of applications, including arithmetic operations.
FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a client and server.
Firewalls serve as digital sentinels, shielding networks from unauthorized access and ensuring secure connectivity.
Firmware is the essential software permanently embedded in your device's hardware, ensuring it functions correctly and efficiently.
The term FPS often refers to frames per second. This is a measure of how many distinct images a computer or console can display in one second.
The term functional specification refers to a comprehensive document that outlines the system's capabilities, appearance, and interactions with users.
GLib is a low-level core library that forms the basis of GTK+ and GNOME. It provides data structure handling for C and portability wrappers.
Gain detailed insights with granular data that breaks down information to its finest parts.
A hackathon is a design sprint-like event where computer programmers, software developers and others collaborate intensively on software projects.
Hackers exploit system vulnerabilities for various reasons, ranging from malicious intent to ethical, beneficial purposes.
At its core, hashing is about transforming data of any size into a fixed size. The output, known as a hash, is a string of characters.
A honeypot, in the context of cybersecurity, is a decoy system set up to attract and trap individuals attempting to gain unauthorized access to a network.
A hotspot refers to a physical location where people can access the internet, typically using Wi-Fi, via a wireless local area network (WLAN) with a router.
Hyperlinks are a fundamental component of the World Wide Web, as they connect different web pages and create a network of information.
The term immutable type refers to an object whose state cannot be modified. In other words, once an object is instantiated, its value remains constant.
Inference is a method used by both cybersecurity professionals and malicious actors to understand and predict patterns.
Information and communication technology (ICT)
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a broad term that encompasses all technologies used to handle telecommunications and broadcast media.
The term instantiate a term that is often used in the context of creating an instance of a class in object-oriented programming.
Internet protocol address (IP)
In the vast and interconnected realm of the digital world, your digital fingerprint, known as an IP (Internet Protocol) address.
The term interweb is a portmanteau of "internet" and "web", often used humorously or sarcastically to refer to the World Wide Web.
Jailbreak your device to unleash its full potential, breaking free from manufacturer restrictions and gaining control.
Kali Linux is an open-source, Debian-based Linux distribution that is geared towards various information security tasks.
A keylogger, in its simplest form, is a type of surveillance technology used to monitor and record each keystroke made on a computer keyboard.
A killswitch is a mechanism designed to shut down or disable a system or software in the event of an emergency or security breach.
Knowledge management system (KMS)
A knowledge management system (KMS) is a crucial tool that aids in the collection, organization, and retrieval of knowledge to protect digital assets.
In the simplest terms, latency refers to a delay (network congestion) that occurs in data communication over a network.
A legacy system is any software, hardware, or technology that is outdated but still in use. These systems were often cutting-edge when they were implemented.
Guard your systems against malicious software aimed at harming or exploiting devices, ensuring your digital security and integrity.
The Markov Decision Process (MDP) is a mathematical model used in decision making where the outcomes are partly random and partly under control.
Utilize nslookup to query domain name servers, effortlessly retrieving vital domain information and streamlining your workflow.
A network, in its simplest form, is a group of interconnected computers or devices that can exchange data and communicate with each other.
A Network Block Device (NBD), is a client-server protocol that allows a hard disk or a disk partition, to be used over a network.
A non-player character, or non-playable character, is any character in a game that is not controlled by a player.
Non-volatile memory is a type of computer memory that retains its information even when the system is powered off.
A nonce, which stands for number used once, is an arbitrary number that can be used just once in a cryptographic communication.
The term obsolete refers to technologies, systems, or practices that are no longer in use or have been replaced by newer, more efficient alternatives.
Secure your accounts with OTPs, ensuring a unique, time-sensitive password for every login, enhancing your digital security.
The term pages per minute is typically used in the context of printers. It refers to the number of pages that these devices can print or scan in one minute.
Protect your digital assets with a strong passkey, your first line of defense against hackers.
The term persistence refers to the ability of a threat actor, such as a hacker, to maintain access to a compromised system even after initial infiltration.
The term Petabyte represents a colossal amount of information, a volume so vast that it can be difficult to fully comprehend.
Piracy refers to the unauthorized use or reproduction of another's work, often in the form of software, digital media, or intellectual property.
Bypass geo-restrictions and access restricted content with a pirate proxy server, unlocking a world of possibilities.
At its most basic, a POS system is where a business transaction takes place. It's where the exchange of goods or services for money occurs.
Postscript is a programming language that has been used for decades to describe the appearance of a printed page.
Precedence refers to the order in which operations are performed, particularly in the context of computer programming and network protocols.
Project management office (PMO)
The Project Management Office (PMO) is a crucial component of any organization that undertakes multiple, complex projects.
Proprietary software, a term that is often thrown around in discussions about software development, licensing, and usage.
Provisioning refers to the process of setting up IT infrastructure. It involves the allocation of resources, preparing and equipping a network.
A proxy, in its most basic form, is a server that acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers.
Safeguard your online identity by opting for a pseudonym rather than using your real name, ensuring your privacy and security.
The term queue refers to a type of data structure where elements are kept in order and the operations of addition and removal are performed at different ends.
A QR code, or Quick Response code, is a type of two-dimensional barcode that can be read using smartphones and other devices.
The term range is a concept that permeates various aspects of the field, from network security to data encryption.
Shield your data from ransomware that encrypts files and demands payment for their release, ensuring your digital safety.
Redaction is a process that involves the careful editing or censoring of sensitive information from documents or digital files.
Redundancy is a strategy that involves the duplication of critical components or functions of a system with the intention of increasing reliability.
Rooting is a process that allows users of smartphones, tablets, and other devices to attain privileged control, known as root access.
The role of a Scrum Master is a multifaceted and dynamic role, serving as a guardian of the agile principles in the SCRUM framework.
Securely store and transmit data using a server with robust encryption and security protocols to protect your information.
Safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized access and prevent security breaches with robust protective measures.
Service set identifier is the name assigned to a wireless network, which allows devices to distinguish one network from another.
The acronym SMH stands for 'shaking my head'. It originated in the early days of internet chat rooms and online forums.
Single sign-on (SSO), is a user authentication process that permits a user to enter one username and password in order to access multiple applications.
The term spam in the context of digital communications originated from a 1970s Monty Python sketch about a canned meat product.
Speech synthesis, also known as text-to-speech (TTS), is a technology that converts written text into audible speech.
Spoofing, in the context of cybersecurity, is a malicious practice where an attacker disguises communication or data so it appears to be from a trusted source.
Spooling, an acronym for Simultaneous Peripheral Operations Online, is a computing process that manages data by placing it into a buffer.
Static random access memory (SRAM)
Static Random Access Memory, often abbreviated as SRAM, is a type of semiconductor memory that uses bistable latching circuitry to store each bit.
Stuxnet is a highly sophisticated computer worm that was first discovered in 2010. The origins of Stuxnet are shrouded in mystery.
Surface-mount devices (SMDs) are a type of electronic component that is mounted directly onto the surface of printed circuit boards (PCBs).
A surge protector, also known as a surge suppressor or surge diverter, is a device that protects electronic equipment from sudden increases in electric power.
Swatting is a dangerous and illegal practice that has emerged in the digital age, primarily within the online gaming community.
The Pirate Bay, often abbreviated as TPB, is a well-known online index of digital content that allows users to search, download, and contribute torrent files.
TLDR, an acronym for "Too Long; Didn't Read", is a common internet slang used to summarize lengthy content on the internet.
Transient in cybersecurity: a key concept in system flexibility and security vulnerability. Essential for professionals.
Transmission control protocol (TCP)
The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a fundamental protocol within the suite of Internet Protocol (IP) standards.
The term Trojan Horse refers to a type of malicious software (malware) that deceives users into running it by pretending to be a harmless or beneficial program.
The term truncate refers to the process of reducing the size of data to save space, improve efficiency or protect sensitive information.
Tweaking, in the context of cybersecurity, is a term that refers to the process of making fine adjustments to systems or software.
Uniform resource locator (URL)
A URL, or Uniform Resource Locator, serves as the unique address for each and every resource available online.
The term Value-Added Service (VAS) refers to an additional service provided by a cybersecurity firm that enhances the value of their core offerings.
Protect your online privacy and access restricted content with a VPN, which masks your IP address.
Visitor location register (VLR)
A Visitor Location Register (VLR) is a database used within mobile communication systems, such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).
VMware is a subsidiary of Dell Technologies, that provides cloud computing and virtualization software and services.
The term volatile is a term that is often used to describe a type of data storage that loses its content when the power is turned off.
A web crawler is an internet bot that systematically browses the World Wide Web, typically for the purpose of web indexing.
A wireless access point (WAP) is a networking device that allows Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired network as a standalone device.
Wireless fidelity, commonly known as Wi-Fi, is a technology that allows devices such as computers and other digital devices to connect to the internet.