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• Pen testing vs. vulnerability scanning: What’s the difference?

  Confused by the differences between pen tests and vulnerability scans? You're not alone. Learn the key differences between the two and when each should be used. Continue Reading

• 3 steps for getting started with security service edge

  Before getting started with security service edge (SSE), formulate a migration strategy. Check out these three expert tips for tackling SSE with maximum efficiency and ease. Continue Reading

• SecOps vs. CloudSecOps: What does a CloudSecOps team do?

  Now, more than ever, organizations need to build controls, monitor and enact security response activities for the cloud. This is where the CloudSecOps team comes into play. Continue Reading

• How to use SSH tunnels to cross network boundaries

  The Secure Shell protocol authenticates and encrypts network connections. Find out how it's used to build tunnels while crossing private networks and even firewalls. Continue Reading

• Top 7 types of data security technology

  These seven types of data security technologies -- from encryption to masking -- will better protect customer and enterprise data from inappropriate and unauthorized access and use. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • What is Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)?
  • What is a whaling attack (whaling phishing)?
  • What is a spam trap?
  • What is identity governance and administration (IGA)?

  • What is machine identity management?
  • What is unified threat management (UTM)?
  • What is two-factor authentication (2FA)?
  • What is authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA)?

  View All Definitions

• How to create a critical infrastructure incident response plan

  Does your organization have an incident response plan for disruptions to critical infrastructure? Learn how to write a successful plan for your company.Continue Reading

• blended threat

  A blended threat is an exploit that combines elements of multiple types of malware and usually employs various attack vectors to increase the severity of damage and the speed of contagion.Continue Reading

• Negotiating a golden parachute clause in a CISO contract

  If a CISO becomes the company scapegoat after a security incident, a strong golden parachute clause can mean the difference between a soft landing and a hard crash.Continue Reading

• How to determine out-of-scope bug bounty assets

  What happens when a security researcher discovers a bug in an out-of-scope asset? Learn how to handle bug bounty scope in this excerpt from 'Corporate Cybersecurity.'Continue Reading

• Use ssh-keygen to create SSH key pairs and more

  Learn how to use ssh-keygen to create new key pairs, copy host keys, use a single login key pair for multiple hosts, retrieve key fingerprints and more in this tutorial.Continue Reading

• X.509 certificate

  An X.509 certificate is a digital certificate that uses the widely accepted international X.509 public key infrastructure (PKI) standard to verify that a public key belongs to the user, computer or service identity contained within the certificate.Continue Reading

• directory traversal

  Directory traversal is a type of HTTP exploit in which a hacker uses the software on a web server to access data in a directory other than the server's root directory.Continue Reading

• 3 types of PKI certificates and their use cases

  Public key infrastructure helps authenticate senders via cryptography and digital certificates. Learn about three types of PKI certificates and their use cases.Continue Reading

• How to get started with multi-cloud threat hunting

  More clouds mean a bigger attack surface. It also complicates how companies can accurately hunt for potential threats. But there are steps to take that can reduce the risk.Continue Reading

• How to conduct a cyber-war gaming exercise

  A successful cyber-war game can help organizations find weaknesses in their system but only if the right participants are involved and an after-action review is completed.Continue Reading

• man in the browser (MitB)

  Man in the browser (MitB) is a security attack where the perpetrator installs a Trojan horse on the victim's computer that is capable of modifying that user's web transactions.Continue Reading

• Zero trust vs. zero-knowledge proof: What's the difference?

  Zero-knowledge proofs can help companies implement a zero-trust framework. Learn about the two concepts and how they come together to better secure networks.Continue Reading

• parameter tampering

  Parameter tampering is a type of web-based cyber attack in which certain parameters in a URL are changed without a user's authorization.Continue Reading

• SYN flood attack

  A SYN flood attack is a type of denial-of-service (DoS) attack on a computer server.Continue Reading

• Cyber-war gaming: A cybersecurity tabletop exercise

  Based off military war games, cyber-war gaming examines a company's security posture. Learn how it works, the readiness needed, who should be involved and more.Continue Reading

• Sender Policy Framework (SPF)

  Sender Policy Framework (SPF) is a protocol designed to restrict who can use an organization's domain as the source of an email message.Continue Reading

• How to conduct Linux privilege escalations

  Learn how to conduct Linux kernel exploitation with Metasploit and manually, as well as how to identify vulnerabilities on Linux using enumeration scripts.Continue Reading

• An introduction to binary diffing for ethical hackers

  Binary diffing is a useful tool in the ethical hacker's arsenal. This excerpt teaches aspiring penetration testers and red teamers how to get started.Continue Reading

• security information management (SIM)

  Security information management (SIM) is the practice of collecting, monitoring and analyzing security-related data from computer logs and various other data sources.Continue Reading

• WLAN Authentication and Privacy Infrastructure (WAPI)

  WLAN Authentication and Privacy Infrastructure (WAPI) is a wireless local area network security standard officially supported by the Chinese government.Continue Reading

• mail bomb

  A mail bomb is a form of a denial-of-service (DoS) attack designed to overwhelm an inbox or inhibit a server by sending a massive number of emails to a specific person or system.Continue Reading

• Pen testing guide: Types, steps, methodologies and frameworks

  Penetration testing helps organizations find security vulnerabilities before hackers do. Uncover details about pen testing steps, methodologies, frameworks and standards.Continue Reading

• Open System Authentication (OSA)

  Open System Authentication (OSA) is a process by which a computer could gain access to a wireless network that uses the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) protocol.Continue Reading

• AAA server (authentication, authorization and accounting)

  An AAA server is a server program that handles user requests for access to computer resources and, for an enterprise, provides authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) services.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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 specific 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 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• What is a 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

• 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

• 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

• Melissa virus

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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