Cybersecurity Terms (copy)

Terms and definitions from Course 1, Module 1

Cybersecurity (or security)

Cybersecurity (or security)

The practice of ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information by protecting networks, devices, people, and data from unauthorized access or criminal exploitation

Cloud security

The process of ensuring that assets stored in the cloud are properly configured and access to those assets is limited to authorized users

Internal threat

A current or former employee, external vendor, or trusted partner who poses a security risk

Network security

The practice of keeping an organization's network infrastructure secure from unauthorized access

Personally identifiable information (PII)

Any information used to infer an individual’s identity

Security posture

An organization’s ability to manage its defense of critical assets and data and react to change

Sensitive personally identifiable information (SPII)

A specific type of PII that falls under stricter handling guidelines

Technical skills

Skills that require knowledge of specific tools, procedures, and policies

Threat

Any circumstance or event that can negatively impact assets

Threat actor

Any person or group who presents a security risk

Transferable skills

Skills from other areas that can apply to different careers

Computer Virus

Malicious code is written to Interfere with computer operations and cause damage to data & software.

Malware

Software designed to harm devices or networks.

Brain Virus

The virus was created by Pakistani brothers Amjad and Basit Farooq Alvi to track and stop illegal copies of their program, while also gauging piracy. The virus could sometimes destroy data, but it was not designed to corrupt data or spread chaos

Morris Worm

The worm sought out computers running a particular version of the UNIX operating system and spread rapidly by exploiting security flaws known by Morris and other skilled programmers.

Social Engineering

The use of deception to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential or personal information that may be used for fraudulent purposes.