Security
This cyber security glossary explains the meaning of terms about different types of computer security threats as well as words about application security, access control, network intrusion detection, security awareness training and computer forensics.
Authentication and access control
Terms related to authentication, including security definitions about passwords and words and phrases about proving identity.
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What is a passkey?
A passkey is an alternative user authentication method that eliminates the need for usernames and passwords.
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What is Universal 2nd Factor (U2F)?
Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) is a physical device that can act as a form of authentication for an account.
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What is a brute-force attack?
A brute-force attack is a trial-and-error hacking method cybercriminals use to decode login information and encryption keys to gain unauthorized access to systems.
Compliance, risk and governance
This glossary contains definitions related to compliance. Some definitions explain the meaning of words used in compliance regulations. Other definitions are related to the strategies that compliance officers use to mitigate risk and create a manageable compliance infrastructure.
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What is compliance risk?
Compliance risk is an organization's potential exposure to legal penalties, financial forfeiture and material loss, resulting from its failure to act in accordance with industry laws and regulations, internal policies or prescribed best practices.
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What is risk appetite?
Risk appetite is the amount of risk an organization or investor is willing to take in pursuit of objectives it deems have value.
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What is business resilience?
Business resilience is an organization's ability to adapt quickly to disruptions while maintaining continuous business operations and safeguarding people, assets and overall brand equity.
Network security
Terms related to network security, including definitions about intrusion prevention and words and phrases about VPNs and firewalls.
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What is a firewall and why do I need one?
A firewall is a network security device that prevents unauthorized access to a network by inspecting incoming and outgoing traffic using a set of predetermined security rules.
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What is penetration testing?
A penetration test, also called a 'pen test,' is a simulated cyberattack on a computer system, network or application to identify and highlight vulnerabilities in an organization's security posture.
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What is ransomware? Definition and complete guide
Ransomware is malware that locks and encrypts a victim's data, files, devices or systems, rendering them inaccessible and unusable until the attacker receives a ransom payment.
Security Admin
Terms related to security management, including definitions about intrusion detection systems (IDS) and words and phrases about asset management, security policies, security monitoring, authorization and authentication.
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What is a passkey?
A passkey is an alternative user authentication method that eliminates the need for usernames and passwords.
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What is a firewall and why do I need one?
A firewall is a network security device that prevents unauthorized access to a network by inspecting incoming and outgoing traffic using a set of predetermined security rules.
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What is penetration testing?
A penetration test, also called a 'pen test,' is a simulated cyberattack on a computer system, network or application to identify and highlight vulnerabilities in an organization's security posture.
Threat management
Terms related to security threats, including definitions about anti-virus programs or firewalls and words and phrases about malware, viruses, Trojans and other security attacks.
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What is data security posture management (DSPM)?
Data security posture management, or DSPM, is an approach that combines technologies and processes to provide a holistic view of a company's sensitive data, including where the data is, who has access to it, how it has been used and its security posture.
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What is a firewall and why do I need one?
A firewall is a network security device that prevents unauthorized access to a network by inspecting incoming and outgoing traffic using a set of predetermined security rules.
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What is penetration testing?
A penetration test, also called a 'pen test,' is a simulated cyberattack on a computer system, network or application to identify and highlight vulnerabilities in an organization's security posture.