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• content filtering

  Content filtering is a process involving the use of software or hardware to screen and/or restrict access to objectionable email, webpages, executables and other suspicious items. Continue Reading

• SOC 1 (System and Organization Controls 1)

  System and Organization Controls 1, or SOC 1 (pronounced "sock one"), aims to control objectives within a SOC 1 process area and documents internal controls relevant to an audit of a user entity's financial statements. Continue Reading

• How to implement OpenID Connect for single-page applications

  The OpenID Connect authentication protocol can be used to secure a variety of applications. This excerpt teaches developers how it works with single-page applications. Continue Reading

• How to use OpenID Connect for authentication

  OpenID Connect has become a trusted protocol to connect with identity providers. Explore how to use it for IAM, common threats to be aware of and how to connect to multiple IdPs. Continue Reading

• Luhn algorithm (modulus 10)

  The Luhn algorithm, also called modulus 10 or modulus 10 algorithm, is a simple mathematical formula used to validate a user's identification numbers. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • NICE Framework (National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Cybersecurity Workforce Framework)
  • application blacklisting (application blocklisting)
  • juice jacking
  • hypervisor security

  • claims-based identity
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
  • password manager
  • Hash-based Message Authentication Code (HMAC)

  View All Definitions

• authentication server

  An authentication server is an application that facilitates the authentication of an entity that attempts to access a network.Continue Reading

• PA-DSS (Payment Application Data Security Standard)

  Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) is a set of requirements intended to help software vendors develop secure payment applications for credit card transactions.Continue Reading

• mutual authentication

  Mutual authentication, also called two-way authentication, is a process or technology in which both entities in a communications link authenticate each other.Continue Reading

• How to write an information security policy, plus templates

  Infosec policies are key to any enterprise security program. Read up on types of security policies and how to write one, and download free templates to start the drafting process.Continue Reading

• screened subnet

  A screened subnet, or triple-homed firewall, refers to a network architecture where a single firewall is used with three network interfaces.Continue Reading

• How to build a security champions program

  Security champions are key to promoting and creating a security-first company. Learn how to build a security champions program using these four steps.Continue Reading

• metamorphic and polymorphic malware

  Metamorphic and polymorphic malware are two types of malicious software (malware) that can change their code as they propagate through a system.Continue Reading

• Explaining the differences between SASE vs. SSE

  Most security professionals are familiar with Secure Access Service Edge, but now there's a new tool for administrators to consider: security service edge.Continue Reading

• security identifier (SID)

  In the context of Windows computing and Microsoft Active Directory (AD), a security identifier (SID) is a unique value that is used to identify any security entity that the operating system (OS) can authenticate.Continue Reading

• North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP)

  The North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP) plan is a set of standards aimed at regulating, enforcing, monitoring and managing the security of the Bulk Electric System (BES) in North America.Continue Reading

• Tips for creating a cybersecurity resume

  Resumes help candidates leave an impression on potential employers. But did you know one resume often isn't enough? Learn this and other tips for creating a cybersecurity resume.Continue Reading

• How to manage imposter syndrome in cybersecurity

  The imposter syndrome phenomenon is readily apparent in cybersecurity. Learn how to manage it, along with mishaps to avoid during the job hunt and other career advice.Continue Reading

• Privacy-enhancing technology types and use cases

  Data is key to companies' success, but maintaining its privacy and ensuring regulatory compliance is difficult. Learn about privacy-enhancing technologies that keep data protected.Continue Reading

• Internet Key Exchange (IKE)

  Internet Key Exchange (IKE) is a standard protocol used to set up a secure and authenticated communication channel between two parties via a virtual private network (VPN).Continue Reading

• passphrase

  A passphrase is a sentencelike string of words used for authentication that is longer than a traditional password, easy to remember and difficult to crack.Continue Reading

• Shared Key Authentication (SKA)

  Shared Key Authentication (SKA) is a process by which a computer can gain access to a wireless network that uses the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) protocol.Continue Reading

• How to use PKI to secure remote network access

  Public key infrastructure is a more secure option than password-based or multifactor authentication. Learn how those benefits can extend to remote employees and access.Continue Reading

• security clearance

  A security clearance is an authorization that allows access to information that would otherwise be forbidden.Continue Reading

• Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol (CCMP)

  Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol (CCMP) is an encryption protocol based on the U.S. federal government's Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm and uses the Counter Mode with CBC-MAC (CCM) mode of ...Continue Reading

• A day in the life of a cybersecurity manager

  The role of a cybersecurity leader is often misunderstood. Experience a day in the life of a cybersecurity manager with this breakdown of a security leader's typical schedule.Continue Reading

• How to prepare for malicious insider threats

  Stopping malicious insider threats is just as important as preventing external ones. Uncover what to look for and strategies to prevent insider threats before they cause damage.Continue Reading

• Include defensive security in your cybersecurity strategy

  Is your company's cybersecurity strategy comprehensive enough to protect against an expanding threat landscape? Learn how developing defensive security strategies can help.Continue Reading

• Nmap use cases, tools and product comparisons

  Nmap is historically known for port scanning, but thanks to several subprojects, its use cases have expanded. Learn how Nmap is used, along with other comparable tools.Continue Reading

• quantum cryptography

  Quantum cryptography is a method of encryption that uses the naturally occurring properties of quantum mechanics to secure and transmit data.Continue Reading

• How to use Nmap to scan for open ports

  One of Nmap's primary functions is conducting port scans. In this walkthrough, learn how to launch a default scan, along with other options that affect Nmap port scan behavior.Continue Reading

• one-time pad

  In cryptography, a one-time pad is a system in which a randomly generated private key is used only once to encrypt a message that is then decrypted by the receiver using a matching one-time pad and key.Continue Reading

• What does an IT security manager do?

  IT security managers need to have a passion for learning and critical-thinking skills, as well as understand intrusion prevention and detection.Continue Reading

• What is shellcode and how is it used?

  Shellcode is a set of instructions that executes a command in software to take control of or exploit a compromised machine. Read up on the malware term and how to mitigate the risk.Continue Reading

• How to start implementing passwordless authentication today

  Everyone is tired of passwords, but a truly passwordless world isn't quite there yet. Learn what options companies currently have to implement passwordless authentication.Continue Reading

• Top cloud security standards and frameworks to consider

  Cloud security standards and frameworks are key to securing systems and maintaining privacy. Read up on available options and advice for selecting the best for your organization.Continue Reading

• Introduction to automated penetration testing

  Automated penetration testing, which speeds up the process for companies and vendors, is maturing. Is it ready to close the time gap between vulnerability discovery and mitigation?Continue Reading

• Pretty Good Privacy (PGP)

  Pretty Good Privacy or PGP was a popular program used to encrypt and decrypt email over the internet, as well as authenticate messages with digital signatures and encrypted stored files.Continue Reading

• Blowfish

  Blowfish is a variable-length, symmetric, 64-bit block cipher.Continue Reading

• cyberterrorism

  Cyberterrorism is often defined as any premeditated, politically motivated attack against information systems, programs and data that threatens violence or results in violence.Continue Reading

• Cloud-native security architecture principles and controls

  Building a sound cloud security framework is challenging, and it's even more so when implementing a cloud-native architecture. Here are steps you can take to make the job easier.Continue Reading

• click fraud (pay-per-click fraud)

  Click fraud -- sometimes called 'pay-per-click fraud' -- is a type of fraud that artificially inflates traffic statistics for online advertisements.Continue Reading

• Rijndael

  Rijndael (pronounced rain-dahl) is an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm.Continue Reading

• Public-Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS)

  Public-Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS) are a set of standard protocols, numbered from 1 to 15.Continue Reading

• Allowlisting vs. blocklisting: Benefits and challenges

  Allowlisting and blocklisting are key components of access control. Learn the benefits and challenges of each approach and why a combination of the two is often the best strategy.Continue Reading

• honeynet

  A honeynet is a network set up with intentional vulnerabilities hosted on a decoy server to attract hackers.Continue Reading

• trusted computing base (TCB)

  A trusted computing base (TCB) is everything in a computing system that provides a secure environment for operations.Continue Reading

• access log

  An access log is a list of all requests for individual files -- such as Hypertext Markup Language files, their embedded graphic images and other associated files that get transmitted -- that people or bots have made from a website.Continue Reading

• elliptical curve cryptography (ECC)

  Elliptical curve cryptography (ECC) is a public key encryption technique based on elliptic curve theory that can be used to create faster, smaller and more efficient cryptographic keys.Continue Reading

• ciphertext feedback (CFB)

  In cryptography, ciphertext feedback (CFB), also known as cipher feedback, is a mode of operation for a block cipher.Continue Reading

• Editor's picks: Top cybersecurity articles of 2021

  As we call it a wrap on 2021, SearchSecurity looks at the top articles from the last 12 months and their sweeping trends, including ransomware, career planning and more.Continue Reading

• cryptographic checksum

  Generated by a cryptographic algorithm, a cryptographic checksum is a mathematical value assigned to a file sent through a network for verifying that the data contained in that file is unchanged.Continue Reading

• smart card

  A smart card is a physical card that has an embedded integrated chip that acts as a security token.Continue Reading

• white hat hacker

  A white hat hacker -- or ethical hacker -- is an individual who uses hacking skills to identify security vulnerabilities in hardware, software or networks.Continue Reading

• International Data Encryption Algorithm (IDEA)

  The International Data Encryption Algorithm (IDEA) is a symmetric key block cipher encryption algorithm designed to encrypt text to an unreadable format for transmission via the internet.Continue Reading

• Encrypting File System (EFS)

  Encrypting File System (EFS) provides an added layer of protection by encrypting files or folders on various versions of the Microsoft Windows OS.Continue Reading

• Types of cybersecurity controls and how to place them

  A unilateral cybersecurity approach is ineffective in today's threat landscape. Learn why organizations should implement security controls based on the significance of each asset.Continue Reading

• Top infosec best practices, challenges and pain points

  Weak infosec practices can have irrevocable consequences. Read up on infosec best practices and challenges, as well as the importance of cybersecurity controls and risk management.Continue Reading

• 10 common types of malware attacks and how to prevent them

  The umbrella term malware is one of the greatest cybersecurity threats enterprises face. Learn about 10 common types of malware and how to prevent them.Continue Reading

• Top 10 IT security frameworks and standards explained

  Several IT security frameworks and cybersecurity standards are available to help protect company data. Here's advice for choosing the right one for your organization.Continue Reading

• copyright

  Copyright is a legal term describing ownership of control of the rights to the use and distribution of certain works of creative expression, including books, video, motion pictures, musical compositions and computer programs.Continue Reading

• security awareness training

  Security awareness training is a formal process for educating employees and third-party stakeholders, like contractors and business partners, how to protect an organization's computer systems, along with its data, people and other assets, from ...Continue Reading

• stealth virus

  A stealth virus is a computer virus that uses various mechanisms to avoid detection by antivirus software.Continue Reading

• spam filter

  A spam filter is a program used to detect unsolicited, unwanted and virus-infected emails and prevent those messages from getting to a user's inbox.Continue Reading

• micro VM (micro virtual machine)

  A micro VM (micro virtual machine) is a virtual machine program that serves to isolate an untrusted computing operation from a computer's host operating system.Continue Reading

• Chernobyl virus

  The Chernobyl virus is a computer virus with a potentially devastating payload that destroys all computer data when an infected file is executed.Continue Reading

• Why you need an email security policy and how to build one

  Companies must have an effective security policy in place to keep email protected from cybercriminals and employee misuse. Learn the best route to build one for your company.Continue Reading

• password salting

  Password salting is a technique to protect passwords stored in databases by adding a string of 32 or more characters and then hashing them.Continue Reading

• virtual local area network hopping (VLAN hopping)

  Virtual local area network hopping (VLAN hopping) is a method of attacking the network resources of a VLAN by sending packets to a port not usually accessible from an end system.Continue Reading

• evil twin attack

  An evil twin attack is a rogue Wi-Fi access point (AP) that masquerades as a legitimate one, enabling an attacker to gain access to sensitive information without the end user's knowledge.Continue Reading

• OCSP (Online Certificate Status Protocol)

  OCSP (Online Certificate Status Protocol) is one of two common schemes used to maintain the security of a server and other network resources.Continue Reading

• Elk Cloner

  Elk Cloner is the first personal computer virus or self-replicating program known to have spread in the wild on a large scale.Continue Reading

• Melissa virus

  Melissa was a type of email virus that initially become an issue in early 1999.Continue Reading

• biometric payment

  Biometric payment is a point-of-sale (POS) technology that uses biometric authentication physical characteristics to identify the user and authorize the deduction of funds from a bank account.Continue Reading

• Twofish

  Twofish is a symmetric-key block cipher with a block size of 128 bits and variable-length key of size 128, 192 or 256 bits.Continue Reading

• How to create a company password policy, with template

  Use these guidelines and our free template to ensure your company's password policy sets the ground rules for strong and effective password creation and use.Continue Reading

• walled garden

  On the internet, a walled garden is an environment that controls the user's access to network-based content and services.Continue Reading

• potentially unwanted program (PUP)

  A potentially unwanted program (PUP) is a program that may be unwanted, despite the possibility that users consented to download it.Continue Reading

• Elastic Stack Security tutorial: How to create detection rules

  This excerpt from 'Threat Hunting with Elastic Stack' provides step-by-step instructions to create detection rules and monitor network security events data.Continue Reading

• plaintext

  In cryptography, plaintext is usually ordinary readable text before it is encrypted into ciphertext or after it is decrypted.Continue Reading

• black hat hacker

  A black hat hacker has been historically used to describe one who has malicious intent -- such as theft of information, fraud or disrupting systems -- but increasingly, more specific terms are being used to describe those people.Continue Reading

• cookie poisoning

  Cookie poisoning is a type of cyber attack in which a bad actor hijacks, forges, alters or manipulates a cookie to gain unauthorized access to a user's account, open a new account in the user's name or steal the user's information for purposes such ...Continue Reading

• footprinting

  Footprinting is an ethical hacking technique used to gather as much data as possible about a specific targeted computer system, an infrastructure and networks to identify opportunities to penetrate them.Continue Reading

• What are the most important email security protocols?

  Email was designed without security considerations, but these top email security protocols add mechanisms to keep messaging safe from threats.Continue Reading

• snooping

  Snooping, in a security context, is unauthorized access to another person's or company's data.Continue Reading

• Nimda

  First appearing on September 18, 2001, Nimda is a computer virus that caused traffic slowdowns as it rippled across the internet.Continue Reading

• ISO 31000 Risk Management

  The ISO 31000 Risk Management framework is an international standard that provides businesses with guidelines and principles for risk management from the International Organization for Standardization.Continue Reading

• CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart)

  A CAPTCHA is a type of challenge-response system designed to differentiate humans from robotic computer programs.Continue Reading

• virus hoax

  A virus hoax is a false warning about a computer virus.Continue Reading

• Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML)

  Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) is an open standard for sharing security information about identity, authentication and authorization across different systems.Continue Reading

• cross-site scripting (XSS)

  Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a type of injection attack in which a threat actor inserts data, such as a malicious script, into content from otherwise trusted websites.Continue Reading

• cache poisoning

  Cache poisoning is a type of cyber attack in which attackers insert fake information into a domain name system (DNS) cache or web cache for the purpose of harming users.Continue Reading

• vulnerability disclosure

  Vulnerability disclosure is the practice of reporting security flaws in computer software or hardware.Continue Reading

• RSA algorithm (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman)

  The RSA algorithm (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) is the basis of a cryptosystem -- a suite of cryptographic algorithms that are used for specific security services or purposes -- which enables public key encryption and is widely used to secure sensitive ...Continue Reading

• What is multifactor authentication and how does it work?

  Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a security technology that requires more than one method of authentication from independent categories of credentials to verify a user's identity for a login or other transaction.Continue Reading

• Report on Compliance (ROC)

  A Report on Compliance (ROC) is a form that must be completed by all Level 1 Visa merchants undergoing a PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) audit.Continue Reading

• What is biometric authentication?

  Biometric authentication is a security process that relies on the unique biological characteristics of individuals to verify they are who they say they are.Continue Reading

• shoulder surfing

  Shoulder surfing is using direct observation techniques, such as looking over someone's shoulder, to get information.Continue Reading

• adware

  Adware is any software application in which an advertising banner or other advertising material displays or downloads while a program is running.Continue Reading

• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

  The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the U.S. government agency that oversees the nation's securities industry.Continue Reading

• Digital Signature Standard (DSS)

  The Digital Signature Standard (DSS) is a digital signature algorithm (DSA) developed by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) as a means of authentication for electronic documents.Continue Reading