Cybersecurity Terminology

Explore our comprehensive terminology page, where key cybersecurity terms are defined in clear language to deepen your understanding and strengthen your expertise in cybersecurity.

Adware

Unwanted software that displays ads and may track user behavior to deliver targeted advertisements. While often not malicious, it can compromise privacy and lead to performance issues.

Agent

A small software program that runs on a device to collect data or perform tasks, often used to monitor systems or manage security functions. Agents typically communicate with a central server for updates or instructions.

Anti-Virus Software

Software designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious programs like viruses and other malware. It continuously scans files and system activity to protect against potential threats in real time.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Technology that enables machines to mimic human intelligence, allowing them to learn, reason, and make decisions. In cybersecurity, AI is used to enhance threat detection, automate responses, and predict future attacks.

Authentication

The process of verifying the identity of a user or system to ensure they have permission to access certain data or resources. Authentication helps protect sensitive information by confirming legitimacy before granting access.

Attack Vector

A path or method that a cybercriminal uses to gain unauthorized access to a system or network. Attack vectors can exploit vulnerabilities in software, hardware, or human behavior to carry out malicious activities.

Backdoor

A hidden entry point within a system or application that allows unauthorized access, often bypassing normal security measures. Backdoors are typically used by attackers to maintain ongoing control over a compromised system without detection.

Backup

A copy of data stored separately to protect against loss, corruption, or theft. Backups are essential for recovering important information in the event of system failure or a cyberattack.

Baiting

A social engineering tactic that lures individuals with a tempting offer or item to trick them into divulging sensitive information or downloading malware.

Blackhat

A hacker who engages in malicious activities for personal gain or to cause harm. Blackhat hackers operate outside of legal and ethical boundaries, often targeting vulnerable systems for exploitation.

Botnet

A network of compromised devices controlled remotely by an attacker to perform coordinated tasks, such as launching cyberattacks or spreading malware.

Broadband

A high-speed internet connection that allows for the rapid transmission of large amounts of data.

Brute Force Attack

A hacking method where attackers try multiple password combinations or encryption keys at high speed until the correct one is found. Brute force attacks rely on trial and error to gain unauthorized access to systems or accounts.

Bug

An error or flaw in software that can cause it to behave in unintended ways or malfunction. These vulnerabilities can create security risks if left unaddressed.

Cloud Computing

The delivery of computing services over the internet that allows users to access resources without managing physical hardware. This flexible model enables scalable, on-demand services that are often more efficient and cost-effective for businesses.

Cookie

A small piece of data stored on a user’s device by a website to help remember preferences or track activity. They are often used to enhance user experience, but they can also raise privacy concerns when used for tracking without consent.

Cyber Warfare

A form of conflict where nation-states or groups use digital attacks to compromise or disrupt another country’s systems. Cyber warfare seeks to damage vital operations and create instability, often with the intent of weakening an adversary’s strategic capabilities.

Data Breach

An incident where unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive or confidential data, often exposing personal or proprietary information.

Data Server

A dedicated system that stores, manages, and provides secure access to large volumes of data for users or applications.

Deepfake

An AI-generated video, image, or audio that convincingly mimics real individuals, often used to deceive by creating realistic but false content. Deepfakes pose privacy and security risks by spreading misinformation and impersonating individuals.

Deployment

The process of releasing and integrating new software, hardware, or updates into an operational environment. Deployment ensures systems are fully functional, secure, and ready for user access.

Domain Name

A unique, human-readable address that identifies a specific website or resource on the internet, translating complex IP addresses into easy-to-remember names like “example.com.”

Exploit

A tool or method used to take advantage of vulnerabilities in software, hardware, or networks to gain unauthorized access or cause harm.

Encryption

A method of converting data into a secure, coded format to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring only authorized parties with a decryption key can read the original content.

Endpoint

A device that serves as a connection point within a network, enabling data access and exchange, such as laptops, smartphones, and servers.

Firewall

A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined rules, creating a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks.

Greywall

A technique or security measure used to filter and limit user access to specific online content or applications based on various criteria, like location or usage patterns. Greywall solutions balance access control and user permissions, providing a middle ground between unrestricted access and full restriction.

Honeypot

A decoy system or network that serves to attract potential attackers.

Incident Response

A structured approach to preparing for, detecting, and managing cybersecurity incidents to minimize damage and recovery time. This process involves identifying security breaches, assessing their impact, and executing a coordinated response to mitigate threats and restore normal operations.

Keystroke Logger

A type of monitoring software or hardware that records each keystroke entered on a device, often used maliciously to capture sensitive information like passwords.

Malware

Malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to systems and data. Malware includes viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other harmful programs that compromise security and privacy.

Managed Risk

The process of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing potential risks, followed by implementing measures to minimize their impact.

Machine Learning

A subset of artificial intelligence where algorithms analyze data, learn patterns, and improve decision-making over time without explicit programming.

Malvertising

A tactic where malicious code is embedded in online ads to infect users’ devices when viewed or clicked. Malvertising exploits legitimate advertising networks to spread malware and compromise security.

Patch

A software update designed to address security flaws, fix bugs, or enhance performance, ensuring systems remain secure and function optimally.

Penetration Testing

A controlled security assessment where authorized professionals simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems, applications, or networks.

Phishing

A social engineering attack that deceives individuals into sharing confidential information by impersonating a trusted source, often through emails or messages.

Proxy Server

An intermediary server that routes user requests to other servers, masking the user’s IP address and enhancing privacy.

Pretexting

A social engineering tactic where attackers create a fabricated scenario to manipulate individuals into sharing sensitive information. Pretexting relies on building trust by impersonating someone authoritative or familiar to gain access to confidential data.

Ransomware

Malicious software that locks or encrypts a victim’s data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid to the attacker. Ransomware disrupts operations, threatens data integrity, and often involves severe financial consequences for organizations and individuals.

Rootkit

A stealthy type of malicious software that grants attackers unauthorized, deep-level control over a system. This type of malware hides within systems, allowing persistent access and evasion of detection, making them especially dangerous for security.

Sandboxing

A security technique that isolates applications or code in a controlled environment to prevent them from affecting the main system. This containment strategy protects against malware by containing potentially harmful actions within a restricted, secure space.

Scareware

A type of deceptive software that tricks users into believing their system is infected or at risk, often prompting them to purchase fake security solutions. Scareware manipulates fear to exploit users and can lead to financial loss or malware installation.

Security Awareness Training

An educational program that teaches individuals to recognize and respond to cybersecurity threats, helping to reduce risks related to human error.

Smishing

A phishing attack delivered through SMS messages, where attackers pose as legitimate entities to deceive individuals into revealing personal information or clicking malicious links.

Spam

Unsolicited messages, often sent in bulk, that clutter inboxes and may contain phishing links or malware.

SecOps

Security Operations (SecOps) is a collaborative approach that integrates security and operations teams to enhance threat detection, response, and system reliability. Security operations streamline security practices within daily operations, improving an organization’s overall security posture.

Social Engineering

A manipulation tactic that exploits human psychology to deceive individuals into revealing confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. Social engineering attacks rely on trust and can bypass technical defenses by targeting people directly.

Spear Phishing

A highly targeted phishing attack that uses tailored information, such as the victim’s name, role, or organization, to appear credible and trustworthy. Spear phishing aims to deceive specific individuals into sharing sensitive data or credentials, exploiting familiarity to bypass suspicion.

Spyware

Malicious software that secretly monitors user activity, capturing sensitive data and sending it to attackers, compromising privacy and security.

Spoofing

A deceptive practice that involves disguising a malicious source as a trusted entity by altering identifying information, such as email addresses, phone numbers, or IP addresses. Spoofing aims to mislead recipients into believing they are interacting with a legitimate party.

Tailgaiting

A physical security breach in which an unauthorized individual discreetly follows an authorized person into a secure area, circumventing access controls and exploiting social trust, often occurring in environments such as office buildings or data centers.

Threat Hunting

A proactive cybersecurity practice that involves actively searching for signs of malicious activity or vulnerabilities within a network, rather than waiting for automated alerts. Threat hunting aims to identify and mitigate potential threats before they can cause harm.

Traffic

The data packets transmitted across a network, representing the flow of information between devices, applications, or servers. Network traffic can include various types of data, such as web requests, emails, and file transfers, and is monitored for performance and security purposes.

Trojan

A type of malicious software disguised as legitimate software that deceives users into installing it. Once activated, a Trojan can create backdoors for attackers to access systems, steal data, or execute harmful actions without the user’s knowledge.

Vulnerability

A weakness or flaw in software, hardwfare, or processes that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access and can arise from coding errors, misconfigurations, or outdated systems.

Vishing

A type of social engineering attack that uses voice calls, typically via phone, to deceive individuals into providing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security.

Virus

A type of malicious software that attaches itself to legitimate programs or files, enabling it to replicate and spread to other systems when the infected file is executed. Once activated, a virus can corrupt or delete data, disrupt system functionality, and compromise security, often leading to extensive damage across networks and devices.

Whaling

A form of phishing attack targeting high-profile individuals, such as executives or important decision-makers within an organization. Whaling employs highly personalized tactics and sophisticated deception to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or authorizing fraudulent transactions, often leveraging information gathered from public sources.

Whitehat

Ethical hackers who use their skills to identify and fix security vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications. Whitehats operate with permission, often conducting penetration testing and security assessments to enhance cybersecurity and protect organizations from malicious attacks.

Worm

A type of malicious software that replicates itself to spread across networks without needing to attach to a host file. Worms exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems or applications, allowing them to infect multiple devices, consume bandwidth, and cause significant damage by disrupting system operations.

Zero-Day

A vulnerability in software that is unknown to the vendor and has not yet been patched, leaving systems exposed to potential exploitation by attackers. Zero-day exploits are particularly dangerous as they can be used to launch attacks before any security measures are implemented.