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• cloud security architecture

  Cloud security architecture is a security strategy designed around securing an organization's data and applications in the cloud. Continue Reading

• single-factor authentication (SFA)

  Single-factor authentication (SFA) is a process for securing access to a given system, such as a network or website, that identifies the party requesting access through only one category of credentials. Continue Reading

• knowledge-based authentication

  Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) is an authentication method in which users are asked to answer at least one secret question. Continue Reading

• WannaCry ransomware

  WannaCry ransomware is a cyber attack that spreads by exploiting vulnerabilities in the Windows operating system. Continue Reading

• security token

  A security token is a physical or wireless device that provides two-factor authentication (2FA) for users to prove their identity in a login process. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • What is Internet Key Exchange (IKE)?
  • What is a certificate revocation list (CRL) and how is it used?
  • What is cryptology?
  • What is biometric verification?

  • What is DOS (Disk Operating System)?
  • What is biometrics?
  • What is a password?
  • What is a hardware security module?

  View All Definitions

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for protecting worker health and safety in the United States.Continue Reading

• Blockchain security: Everything you should know for safe use

  Despite its reputation, blockchain is subject to many of the same vulnerabilities as other software. It helps to have a clear idea of its inherent strengths and weaknesses.Continue Reading

• PCI compliance

  PCI compliance is adherence to the set of policies and procedures developed to protect credit, debit and cash card transactions and prevent the misuse of cardholders' personal information.Continue Reading

• Use IoT hardening to secure vulnerable connected devices

  IoT and industrial IoT innovation continue to thrive, but IoT device security continues to be an afterthought. Companies should harden connected devices to remain protected.Continue Reading

• How to calculate cybersecurity ROI with concrete metrics

  Calculating and communicating cybersecurity ROI can help persuade top management to invest. Here's how to use meaningful, concrete metrics.Continue Reading

• logon (or login)

  In computing, a logon is a procedure that enables an entity to access a secure system such as an operating system, application, service, website or other resource.Continue Reading

• security analytics

  Security analytics is a cybersecurity approach that uses data collection, data aggregation and analysis tools for threat detection and security monitoring.Continue Reading

• NICE Framework (National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Cybersecurity Workforce Framework)

  The NICE Framework (National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Cybersecurity Workforce Framework) is a reference resource that classifies the typical skill requirements and duties of cybersecurity workers.Continue Reading

• Smart contract benefits and best practices for security

  While smart contracts promise enormous benefits in the enterprise, they also present opportunities for cybercriminals. Explore best practices to keep them secure.Continue Reading

• How to use Wfuzz to find web application vulnerabilities

  By learning how to use Wfuzz for web application fuzz testing, bug bounty hunters can automate vulnerability discovery. Learn more in this excerpt from 'Bug Bounty Bootcamp.'Continue Reading

• How to become a bug bounty hunter: Getting started

  Finding, exploiting and reporting vulnerabilities can be both lucrative and educational. Security researcher Vickie Li explains how to become a bug bounty hunter.Continue Reading

• application blacklisting (application blocklisting)

  Application blacklisting --increasingly called application blocklisting -- is a network or computer administration practice used to prevent the execution of undesirable software programs.Continue Reading

• juice jacking

  Juice jacking is a security exploit in which an infected USB charging station is used to compromise devices that connect to it.Continue Reading

• hypervisor security

  Hypervisor security is the process of ensuring the hypervisor -- the software that enables virtualization -- is secure throughout its lifecycle.Continue Reading

• claims-based identity

  Claims-based identity is a means of authenticating an end user, application or device to another system in a way that abstracts the entity's specific information while providing data that authorizes it for appropriate and relevant interactions.Continue Reading

• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

  Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is an International Information System Security Certification Consortium, or (ISC)2, certification that covers cloud-based cybersecurity best practices.Continue Reading

• How to implement principle of least privilege in Azure AD

  Restricting users' permissions in Microsoft Azure AD to only what they need to complete their job helps secure and reduce the cloud attack surface.Continue Reading

• password manager

  A password manager is a technology tool that helps internet users create, save, manage and use passwords across different online services.Continue Reading

• Hash-based Message Authentication Code (HMAC)

  Hash-based Message Authentication Code (HMAC) is a message encryption method that uses a cryptographic key in conjunction with a hash function.Continue Reading

• Web application firewall (WAF)

  A web application firewall (WAF) is a firewall that monitors, filters and blocks Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) traffic as it travels to and from a website or web application.Continue Reading

• cloaking

  Cloaking is a technique where a different version of web content is returned to users than to the search engine crawlers.Continue Reading

• TrickBot malware

  TrickBot is sophisticated modular malware that started as a banking Trojan but has evolved to support many different types of attacks, including ransomware.Continue Reading

• How to create an SBOM, with example and template

  SBOMs help organizations inventory every component in their software. This free template, which includes an SBOM example, can help you secure your own software supply chain.Continue Reading

• cloud workload protection

  Cloud workload protection is the safeguarding of workloads spread out across multiple cloud environments. Businesses that use public and private clouds can use cloud workload protection platforms to help defend themselves against cyber attacks.Continue Reading

• firewall

  A firewall is a network security device that prevents unauthorized access to a network. It inspects incoming and outgoing traffic using a set of security rules to identify and block threats.Continue Reading

• How to build a cybersecurity deception program

  In 'The Art of War,' Sun Tzu declared, 'All warfare is based on deception.' Learn how to apply this principle in the enterprise by building a cybersecurity deception program.Continue Reading

• International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2

  (ISC)2, short for International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, is a nonprofit organization that provides security training and certificates.Continue Reading

• two-step verification

  Two-step verification is a process that involves two authentication steps performed one after the other to verify that someone or something requesting access is who or what they say they are.Continue Reading

• How to use the John the Ripper password cracker

  Password crackers are essential tools in any pen tester's toolbox. This step-by-step tutorial explains how to use John the Ripper, an open source offline password-cracking tool.Continue Reading

• private CA (private PKI)

  A private CA is an enterprise-specific certificate authority that functions like a publicly trusted CA.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (formerly Windows Defender ATP)

  Microsoft Defender for Endpoint -- formerly Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection or Windows Defender ATP -- is an endpoint security platform designed to help enterprise-class organizations prevent, detect and respond to security threats.Continue Reading

• How to create fine-grained password policy in AD

  Fine-grained password policies are a simple and effective way of ensuring password settings meet business requirements.Continue Reading

• How to enable Active Directory fine-grained password policies

  Specifying multiple password policies customized to specific account types adds another layer to an organization's security posture. Using PSOs instead of Group Policy can help.Continue Reading

• How to use a public key and private key in digital signatures

  Ensuring authenticity of online communications is critical to conduct business. Learn how to use a public key and private key in digital signatures to manage electronic documents.Continue Reading

• AWS CloudTrail

  AWS CloudTrail is an application program interface (API) call-recording and log-monitoring service offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS).Continue Reading

• Practice Microsoft SC-100 exam questions with answers

  Use these practice multiple-choice questions, with answers, to assess your knowledge of the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam.Continue Reading

• intrusion prevention system (IPS)

  An intrusion prevention system (IPS) is a cybersecurity tool that examines network traffic to identify potential threats and automatically take action against them.Continue Reading

• How to prepare for the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam

  Before taking the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, learn about the knowledge areas covered on the SC-100 test, studying recommendations, prerequisites and more.Continue Reading

• Defining policy vs. standard vs. procedure vs. control

  Infosec pros may have -- incorrectly -- heard the terms 'standard' and 'policy' used interchangeably. Examine the differences among a policy, standard, procedure and technical control.Continue Reading

• post-quantum cryptography

  Post-quantum cryptography, also known as quantum encryption, is the development of cryptographic systems for classical computers that can prevent attacks launched by quantum computers.Continue Reading

• deprovisioning

  Deprovisioning is the part of the employee lifecycle in which access rights to software and network services are taken away.Continue Reading

• An intro to the IDMZ, the demilitarized zone for ICSes

  Setting up an IDMZ -- a demilitarized zone between enterprise and industrial networks -- can prevent operational environments from becoming compromised by IT threats.Continue Reading

• cardholder data (CD)

  Cardholder data (CD) is any personally identifiable information (PII) associated with a person who has a credit or debit card.Continue Reading

• PCI DSS merchant levels

  Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) merchant levels rank merchants based on their number of transactions per year to outline compliance verification requirements.Continue Reading

• CSR (Certificate Signing Request)

  A Certificate Signing Request (CSR) is a specially formatted encrypted message sent from a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) digital certificate applicant to a certificate authority (CA).Continue Reading

• authentication factor

  An authentication factor is a category of credential that is intended to verify, sometimes in combination with other factors, that an entity involved in some kind of communication or requesting access to some system is who, or what, they are ...Continue Reading

• Vulnerability management vs. risk management, compared

  Vulnerability management seeks out security weaknesses in an organization, while risk management involves looking holistically at how the company is running.Continue Reading

• three-factor authentication (3FA)

  Three-factor authentication (3FA) is the use of identity-confirming credentials from three separate categories of authentication factors -- typically, the knowledge, possession and inherence categories.Continue Reading

• cyber espionage

  Cyber espionage (cyberespionage) is a type of cyber attack that malicious hackers carry out against a business or government entity.Continue Reading

• FIDO (Fast Identity Online)

  FIDO (Fast Identity Online) is a set of technology-agnostic security specifications for strong authentication.Continue Reading

• quantum supremacy

  Quantum supremacy is the experimental demonstration of a quantum computer's dominance and advantage over classical computers by performing calculations previously impossible at unmatched speeds.Continue Reading

• antivirus software (antivirus program)

  Antivirus software (antivirus program) is a security program designed to prevent, detect, search and remove viruses and other types of malware from computers, networks and other devices.Continue Reading

• YubiKey

  YubiKey is a security token that enables users to add a second authentication factor to online services from tier 1 vendor partners, including Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Salesforce.Continue Reading

• information security (infosec)

  Information security (infosec) is a set of policies, procedures and principles for safeguarding digital data and other kinds of information.Continue Reading

• cyberwarfare

  The generally accepted definition of cyberwarfare is a series of cyber attacks against a nation-state, causing it significant harm.Continue Reading

• fuzz testing (fuzzing)

  Fuzz testing (fuzzing) is a quality assurance technique used to discover coding errors or bugs and security loopholes in software, operating systems and networks.Continue Reading

• sudo (su 'do')

  Sudo is a command-line utility for Unix and Unix-based operating systems such as Linux and macOS.Continue Reading

• E-Sign Act (Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act)

  The E-Sign Act (Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act) is a U.S. federal law that specifies that, in the United States, the use of an electronic signature (e-signature) is as legally valid as a traditional signature written in ...Continue Reading

• social media policy

  A social media policy is a corporate code of conduct that provides guidelines for employees who post content on the internet either as part of their job or as a private person.Continue Reading

• crypto wallet (cryptocurrency wallet)

  A crypto wallet (cryptocurrency wallet) is software or hardware that enables users to store and use cryptocurrency.Continue Reading

• reverse brute-force attack

  A reverse brute-force attack is a type of brute-force attack in which an attacker uses a common password against multiple usernames in an attempt to gain access to a network.Continue Reading

• Windows Defender Exploit Guard

  Microsoft Windows Defender Exploit Guard is antimalware software that provides intrusion protection for Windows 10 OS users.Continue Reading

• SOC 3 (System and Organization Controls 3)

  A System and Organization Controls 3 (SOC 3) report outlines information related to a service organization's internal controls for security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy.Continue Reading

• tokenization

  Tokenization is the process of replacing sensitive data with unique identification symbols that retain all the essential information about the data without compromising its security.Continue Reading

• messaging security

  Messaging security is a subcategory of unified threat management, or UTM, focused on securing and protecting an organization's communication infrastructure.Continue Reading

• WebAuthn API

  The Web Authentication API (WebAuthn API) is a credential management application program interface (API) that lets web applications authenticate users without storing their passwords on servers.Continue Reading

• How to use BeEF, the Browser Exploitation Framework

  The open source BeEF pen testing tool can be used by red and blue teams alike to hook web browsers and use them as beachheads to launch further attacks.Continue Reading

• Dridex malware

  Dridex is a form of malware that targets victims' banking information, with the main goal of stealing online account credentials to gain access to their financial assets.Continue Reading

• backdoor (computing)

  A backdoor attack is a means to access a computer system or encrypted data that bypasses the system's customary security mechanisms.Continue Reading

• Heartbleed

  Heartbleed was a vulnerability in some implementations of OpenSSL, an open source cryptographic library.Continue Reading

• What is Triple DES and why is it being disallowed?

  Triple DES no longer provides the encryption strength it once did. Prepare now to transition away from its use to a more security alternative.Continue Reading

• credential theft

  Credential theft is a type of cybercrime that involves stealing a victim's proof of identity.Continue Reading

• self-sovereign identity

  Self-sovereign identity (SSI) is a model for managing digital identities in which individuals or businesses have sole ownership over the ability to control their accounts and personal data.Continue Reading

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

  Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an information security certification developed by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC)².Continue Reading

• privilege creep

  Privilege creep is the gradual accumulation of access rights beyond what individuals need to do their job.Continue Reading

• What enumeration attacks are and how to prevent them

  Web applications may be vulnerable to user enumeration attacks. Learn how these brute-forcing attacks work and how to prevent them.Continue Reading

• GPS jamming

  GPS jamming is the act of using a frequency transmitting device to block or interfere with radio communications.Continue Reading

• What are the differences between su and sudo commands?

  Linux administrators have choices when deciding how to delegate privileges. Learn about the options they can take while ensuring their operations remain secure.Continue Reading

• 12 types of wireless network attacks and how to prevent them

  From packet sniffing and rogue access points to spoofing attacks and encryption cracking, learn about common wireless network attacks and how to prevent them.Continue Reading

• checksum

  A checksum is a value that represents the number of bits in a transmission message and is used by IT professionals to detect high-level errors within data transmissions.Continue Reading

• Evil Corp

  Evil Corp is an international cybercrime network that uses malicious software to steal money from victims' bank accounts and to mount ransomware attacks.Continue Reading

• Trojan horse

  In computing, a Trojan horse is a program downloaded and installed on a computer that appears harmless, but is, in fact, malicious.Continue Reading

• 7 steps to implementing a successful XDR strategy

  There's still confusion around what extended detection and response is, but it will play a key role in enterprise security. To successfully implement XDR, follow these steps.Continue Reading

• Top 5 key ethical hacker skills

  Ethical hacking can be a rewarding career, but it requires tenacity, curiosity and creativity, among other traits. Oh, and you better be a good writer, too.Continue Reading

• quantum key distribution (QKD)

  Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a secure communication method for exchanging encryption keys only known between shared parties.Continue Reading

• Common Body of Knowledge (CBK)

  In security, the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) is a comprehensive framework of all the relevant subjects a security professional should be familiar with, including skills, techniques and best practices.Continue Reading

• buffer underflow

  A buffer underflow, also known as a buffer underrun or a buffer underwrite, is when the buffer -- the temporary holding space during data transfer -- is fed data at a lower rate than it is being read from.Continue Reading

• pen testing (penetration testing)

  A penetration test, also called a pen test or ethical hacking, is a cybersecurity technique that organizations use to identify, test and highlight vulnerabilities in their security posture.Continue Reading

• time-based one-time password

  A time-based one-time password (TOTP) is a temporary passcode generated by an algorithm that uses the current time of day as one of its authentication factors.Continue Reading

• Advice for beginner computer forensic investigators

  For those interesting in becoming a computer forensics investigator, learn about the career and what to expect, as well as why digital evidence is the most volatile evidence.Continue Reading

• RAT (remote access Trojan)

  A RAT (remote access Trojan) is malware an attacker uses to gain full administrative privileges and remote control of a target computer.Continue Reading

• Top 10 pen testing interview questions with answers

  Are you pursuing a career in pen testing? Prepare with this list of 10 pen testing interview questions and answers created by three security experts.Continue Reading

• Top IT security manager interview questions

  Are you looking for a leadership role in cybersecurity? Three security experts offer their advice on how to answer the most common IT security manager interview questions.Continue Reading

• Diffie-Hellman key exchange (exponential key exchange)

  Diffie-Hellman key exchange is a method of digital encryption that securely exchanges cryptographic keys between two parties over a public channel without their conversation being transmitted over the internet.Continue Reading

• An overview of the CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model

  A zero-trust framework blocks all attempts to access internal infrastructure without authentication. The CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model is a roadmap to get there.Continue Reading