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Cybersecurity Glossary
Demystify the jargon. Our glossary breaks down essential tech and security terms in plain English—so you can make informed decisions without the tech-speak.
2b1 Resource Vault
Your go-to space for practical tools, cybersecurity tips, and tech terms—no fluff, just real insight.
Whether you’re looking to understand the latest threats, explore new solutions, or stay connected with what we’re working on, this is the place to start.
Term of the day:
Zero-Day Exploit
A Zero-Day Exploit is a cyberattack that takes advantage of a previously unknown security hole/vulnerability in software or hardware. These exploits are called “zero-day” because the developers have had zero days to address and patch the flaw before it is used in attacks. This makes zero-day exploits extremely dangerous and valuable to both cybercriminals and security professionals.
When a zero-day exploit […]
2024-07-30T00:02:23-07:00July 30th, 2024|
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Cyber Attack and Hacking Terminology
| Term | Definition | 2b1 Care | Example | Good Reads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malware | Short for malicious software, refers to any software intentionally designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems | Advanced Email Security | Ransomware, trojans, viruses | The Dell Data Breach |
| Phishing | A technique used to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords or credit card numbers. | Advanced Email Security | Fake emails pretending to be from a bank asking for login credentials. | Bank Fraud protect Your $$$ |
| Spoofing | Faking the sender's identity in an email header or IP packet to impersonate a trusted source. | Cyber Attacks and Hacking Methods | Altered sender addresses to appear as trusted sources like banks or popular websites. | Bank Fraud protect Your $$$ |
| Denial-of-Service (DoS) | Flooding a network or server with traffic to make it unavailable to users. | Cyber Attacks and Hacking Methods | A hacker floods a website with traffic from one source, making it slow or crash. | DoS Attack Named Loop |
| Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) | Using multiple systems to orchestrate a DoS attack simultaneously. | Cyber Attacks and Hacking Methods | Hackers overwhelm a website with fake traffic, making it slow or crash so real users can't access it. | DDoS Attacks Surge 2024 |
Social Engineering |
Manipulating individuals to divulge confidential information or perform actions unwittingly. | Cyber Attacks and Hacking Methods | A fake bank email tricks you into entering sensitive information on a fraudulent website, leading to identity theft. | Midnight Blizzard Attack |
| Zero-Day Exploit | A vulnerability in software or hardware that is unknown to the vendor or developer. | Patch and Update Management | When hackers discove a software glitch before the manufacturer does and takes advantage. | Equifax Failed to Patch Old Apache Struts Flaw |
| Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) | Interception and alteration of communication between two parties without their knowledge. | A hacker listens in on your Wi-Fi and reads your messages. | Read More | |
| SQL Injection | Exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to execute arbitrary SQL commands. | Typing special characters into a login box to trick the system. | Read More | |
| Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) | Injecting malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. | Adding fake pop-up ads to steal your login info. | Read More | |
| Trojan Horse | Malware disguised as legitimate software to trick users into executing it. | Downloading a game that secretly installs a virus. | Read More | |
| Credential Stuffing | Using automated scripts to try stolen login credentials across multiple websites. | Using your leaked email and password to get into your Facebook account. | Read More | |
| Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) | A sophisticated, long-term cyberattack targeting specific entities or individuals. | Hackers secretly spying on a company for years to steal secrets. | Read More | |
| Cryptojacking | Illegally using someone else's computer to mine cryptocurrency by exploiting vulnerabilities or using malicious scripts. | Your computer slows down because a hidden program is mining cryptocurrency. | Read More | |
| Supply Chain Attack | Compromising a supplier's software or hardware to attack their customers or clients indirectly. | Hackers add malware to a trusted software update. | Read More | |
| IoT (Internet of Things) Exploitation | Exploiting vulnerabilities in internet-connected devices such as smart home appliances or industrial sensors. | A hacker controls your smart fridge or camera remotely. | Read More | |
| Physical Security Breach | Gaining unauthorized physical access to secure areas to steal information or install malware. | Altered sender addresses to appear as trusted sources like banks or popular websites. | Read More | |
| Cyber Espionage | Using cyber techniques to gain access to sensitive information for political or military purposes. | Hackers spying on government emails to get secrets. | Read More | |
| Insider Threat | Malicious or unintentional actions by employees, contractors, or business partners that compromise security. | An employee shares private company files without permission. | Read More |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Backdoor | A hidden method for bypassing normal authentication or encryption to access a computer system. |
| Ransomware | Malware that encrypts data on a victim's system and demands payment for decryption. |
| Rootkit | A collection of software tools used by an attacker to gain unauthorized root-level access to a computer system. |
| Logic Bomb | Code embedded in software that triggers a malicious action when certain conditions are met. |
| Fileless Malware | Malware that operates in memory without leaving traces on the computer's file system. |
| Keylogger | Software that records keystrokes on a computer to steal passwords or sensitive information. |
| Botnet | A network of private computers infected with malicious software and controlled as a group without the owners' knowledge. |
| Exploit Kit | Software package designed to automate the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web browsers, plugins, etc. |
| Adware | Software that automatically displays advertisements to generate revenue for its author. |
| Spyware | Software that secretly gathers information about a user's activities without their consent. |
| Worm | Self-replicating malware that spreads across networks without requiring human intervention. |
Cyber Attack and Hacking Terminology
| Malware | Short for malicious software, refers to any software intentionally designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. | 2b1 Care Solution | Advanced Email Security |
| Phishing | A technique used to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords or credit card numbers. | 2b1 Care Solution | Advanced Email Security |
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Cybersecurity
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cybersecurity | Measures taken to protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access or attack. |
| Information Security | Protection of information and information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. |
| Cyber Threat | A potential cause of harm to computer systems or networks. |
| Vulnerability | Weakness in a system that could be exploited by a threat. |
| Risk Assessment | Evaluation of potential risks and vulnerabilities to determine the impact and likelihood of cyber threats. |
| Patch Management | Process of managing software updates to fix vulnerabilities and improve security. |
| Incident Response | Organized approach to addressing and managing the aftermath of a security breach or cyberattack. |
| Security Awareness Training | Education for employees or users to recognize and avoid cybersecurity threats. |
| Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) | Authentication method requiring two forms of verification to access an account or system. |
| Endpoint Security | Security measures for protecting endpoints (computers, smartphones, tablets) from malicious activity. |
| Network Security | Measures to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and resources within a network. |
| Firewall | Security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. |
| Intrusion Detection System (IDS) | Security software and/or hardware that monitors network traffic for suspicious activity and alerts administrators. |
| Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) | Security system that monitors network traffic to prevent known attacks from succeeding. |
| Encryption | Process of encoding information to protect its confidentiality from unauthorized access or interception. |
| Decryption | Process of converting encrypted data back into its original form. |
| Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) | Set of policies, processes, and technologies for managing digital certificates and public-private key pairs. |
| Digital Forensics | Investigation and analysis of digital devices and data to uncover evidence of cybercrime or security incidents. |
| Security Audit | Systematic evaluation of an organization's information system by measuring how well it conforms to established criteria. |
| Security Policy | Document outlining an organization's rules and guidelines for ensuring security. |
| Antivirus Software | Software designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software (malware). |
| Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) | Software that provides real-time analysis of security alerts generated by applications and network hardware. |
| Data Loss Prevention (DLP) | Tools and techniques to prevent sensitive data from being lost, accessed, or stolen. |
| Web Application Firewall (WAF) | Security system that monitors and filters HTTP traffic between a web application and the Internet. |
| Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) | Security solution that monitors and responds to threats on endpoints. |
| Email Security Gateway | Tool or service that protects organizations from inbound and outbound email-based threats. |
| Virtual Private Network (VPN) | Secure connection between a user's device and a private network over the Internet. |
| Identity and Access Management (IAM) | Framework of policies and technologies for ensuring that the right individuals access the right resources at the right times. |
| Secure Socket Layer/Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS) | Protocols providing secure communication over a computer network. |
| Penetration Testing | Authorized simulated cyberattack on a computer system to evaluate its security. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Regular Software Updates and Patching | Ensuring systems and software are up to date with the latest security patches. |
| Strong Password Policies | Requiring complex passwords and regular password changes. |
| Least Privilege Principle | Granting users the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job functions. |
| Backup and Recovery | Regularly backing up data and having a plan for data recovery in case of loss or breach. |
| Security Monitoring and Logging | Monitoring systems and networks for suspicious activity and maintaining logs for analysis. |
| Employee Training and Awareness | Educating employees about cybersecurity threats and best practices. |
| Network Segmentation | Dividing a network into segments to reduce the impact of a security breach. |
| Mobile Device Management (MDM) | Policies and tools for managing and securing mobile devices used by employees. |
| Regular Security Assessments and Audits | Evaluating and testing security controls to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. |
| Incident Response Plan | Preparing and practicing a plan for responding to security incidents promptly and effectively. |
IT, Computer Systems and Software
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| CPU (Central Processing Unit) | The main component of a computer that performs instructions. |
| RAM (Random Access Memory) | Temporary storage that allows the computer to access data quickly. |
| Hard Drive | Permanent storage for data on a computer. |
| SSD (Solid State Drive) | Storage device using flash memory for faster data access than traditional hard drives. |
| GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) | Specialized processor for rendering graphics. |
| Motherboard | The main circuit board of a computer where components such as the CPU, RAM, and connectors are mounted. |
| Power Supply Unit (PSU) | Provides electrical power to a computer. |
| Peripheral | External device like a keyboard, mouse, or printer connected to a computer. |
| Monitor | Output device that displays information from a computer visually. |
| Network Interface Card (NIC) | Hardware component enabling computers to connect to a network. |
| BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) | Firmware used to perform hardware initialization during the booting process and to provide runtime services for operating systems and programs. |
| Bus | A communication system that transfers data between components inside a computer or between computers. |
| RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) | A data storage virtualization technology that combines multiple physical disk drive components into one or more logical units for the purposes of data redundancy, performance improvement, or both. |
| Ethernet | A family of computer networking technologies for local area networks (LANs). |
| Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) | A local computer bus for attaching hardware devices in a computer. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Operating System (OS) | Software that manages hardware and provides common services for computer programs. |
| Application Software | Programs designed for end-users, such as word processors, web browsers, and games. |
| Programming Language | A formal language for specifying instructions to be executed by a computer. |
| Compiler | A program that translates code written in a high-level language into machine code. |
| IDE (Integrated Development Environment) | Software suite that consolidates basic tools developers need to write and test software. |
| Version Control | Software managing changes to documents, computer programs, large websites, and other collections of information. |
| Bug | An error in software causing it to malfunction. |
| Patch | A software update intended to fix problems or improve security. |
| API (Application Programming Interface) | A set of rules and protocols allowing different software applications to communicate. |
| Open Source | Software that can be freely used, modified, and shared. |
| Middleware | Software that acts as a bridge between an operating system or database and applications, especially on a network. |
| GUI (Graphical User Interface) | A type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons and visual indicators. |
| CLI (Command Line Interface) | A means of interacting with a computer program where the user issues commands to the program in the form of successive lines of text (command lines). |
| API Economy | The set of business models and practices that leverage APIs to generate value and create competitive advantage. |
| Microservices | An architectural style that structures an application as a collection of loosely coupled services, which implement business capabilities. |
| Scalability | The capability of a system to handle a growing amount of work, or its potential to be enlarged to accommodate that growth. |
| Legacy System | An old method, technology, computer system, or application program that continues to be used, typically because it still functions for the users' needs, even though newer technology or more efficient methods are now available. |
| Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) | A set of practices and tools that enable frequent integration of code changes into an application, along with automated testing and delivery. |
| Container Orchestration | Automated arrangement, coordination, and management of software containers and the applications they support. |
| Serverless Computing | A cloud computing execution model in which the cloud provider dynamically manages the allocation and provisioning of servers. |
| BI (Business Intelligence) | Technologies, applications, and practices for the collection, integration, analysis, and presentation of business information. |
| Predictive Analytics | A branch of advanced analytics that uses data mining, statistics, modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to make predictions about future events. |
| Edge Computing | A distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to the location where it is needed to improve response times and save bandwidth. |
| Blockchain | A decentralized and distributed digital ledger technology that records transactions across multiple computers in a way that is secure, transparent, and resistant to tampering. |
| Quantum Computing | A type of computing that uses quantum-mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform operations on data. |
Regulations and Compliance
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) | US regulation that sets standards for the protection of health information. |
| GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) | EU regulation concerning the protection of personal data and privacy for individuals within the European Union and the European Economic Area. |
| HITECH Act (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act) | US legislation promoting the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology, including provisions for privacy and security. |
| FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) | US law protecting the privacy of student education records. |
| GLBA (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) | US law requiring financial institutions to explain their information-sharing practices to customers and to safeguard sensitive data. |
| CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) | US state law intended to enhance privacy rights and consumer protection for residents of California. |
| CPRA (California Privacy Rights Act) | Amended version of CCPA that strengthens and expands privacy protections for Californians. |
| PDPA (Personal Data Protection Act) | Data protection law in Singapore governing the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data. |
| PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) | Canadian federal privacy law governing how private-sector organizations collect, use, and disclose personal information in the course of commercial activities. |
| HIPAA Omnibus Rule | US rule that updates HIPAA to incorporate provisions of the HITECH Act and strengthen privacy and security protections. |
Certifications
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | Offered by (ISC)², CISSP is a globally recognized certification for information security professionals. |
| Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) | Offered by EC-Council, CEH certifies individuals in ethical hacking and penetration testing techniques. |
| CompTIA Security+ | Entry-level certification covering foundational cybersecurity skills, recognized globally. |
| Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) | Offered by ISACA, CISM certifies individuals in managing, designing, and assessing information security systems. |
| Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) | Offered by ISACA, CISA certifies individuals in auditing, control, and assurance of information systems. |
| GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) | Entry-level certification from GIAC covering information security fundamentals. |
| Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) | Offered by (ISC)², CCSP certifies individuals in cloud security principles and practices. |
| Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) | Offered by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), certifies individuals in privacy laws and regulations globally. |
| Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) | Offered by GIAC, GCIH certifies individuals in incident handling and response. |
| Certified Information Security Management Systems (CISMS) | Offered by CIS, CISMS certifies individuals in information security management systems (ISMS) based on ISO/IEC 27001. |