TSA: Cybersecurity

Credit and terms goes to https://www.simplilearn.com/top-cybersecurity-terms-you-need-to-know-article

Authentication

The process of identifying a user’s identity so they can have access to the system (Accomplished by a password, retina (eye) scan, fingerprint scan, or a combination of the above)

Botnet

Combo of the words “robot” and “network”; network of computers that have been infected with a virus that are working on security breaches

Data Breach

The result of a hacker successfully breaking into a system and exposing its data (such as credit card numbers, bank accounts, Social Security numbers, and other private, sensitive information.

DDoS

Stands for, “Distributed Denial of Service” and commonly used by Black Hats. Hackers bombard a website with requests up until it locks the system and forces it temprarily shut down

Domain

A series of computers and routers, printer, and scanners, that are all connected as one entity.

Encryption

A piece of information that is coded; like a top-secret, coded spy message

Exploit

An attack on a computer system either by a series of commands, malicious software, or piece of infected data

Firewall

Software or hardware that keeps intruders out

Hacker: Black Hat

Someone who tries to get unauthorized access to a system with the intent to cause mischief, damage, or theft

Hacker: White Hat

Someone who is INVITED to test our computer systems and servers, looking for weaknesses and security needs to be improved to report to the host

Malware

Combo of “malicious” and “software”. A variety of bad software used to infect or damage a system. Ransomware, worms, viruses, and trojans are all examples of malware

Man in the Middle Attack

When a hacker breaks into a Wi-Fi network and steals personal data. (When the “middleman” is the Wi-Fi network)

Phishing

A scam where a hacker poses as a real business or organization (especially credit card companies, charities, internet providers, social media sites, etc.) to get the receiver to give them information

Ransomeware

Malware that hijacks a system and encrypts your files, which in th eprocess denies you access to them until you send them money to unlock everything. (Kidnaps your computer and holds it for ransom)

Spoofing

When a hacker changes the IP address of an email so that it seems as if it’s coming from a trusted source

Spyware

Malware that is used to spy on you and your computer activities. The hacker can see your messages, redirect your phone calls, or even track down your location!

Trojan Horse

Malware that, hence the name, seems like something innocent, but actually lets in a hacker to your computer.

Virus

Malware that changes, corrupts, or destroy information that is passed onto other system. In some means, a virus can cause physical damage.

VPN

Stands for “Virtual Private Network”. that connects computers in a private, encrypted network with each user’s IP address being replaced by the VPN’s IP address. Makes it difficult for hackers to get into your system.

Worm

Malware that can spread to other computers in the network. They can slow down a system, “eat” up resources, or steal data

Cloud

A global network of servers

Software

A group of applications that instruct a computer to carry out a task. The computer reads the program from the storage device and temporarily stores the instructions in a random access memory, or RAM

IP Address

Stands for “Internet Protocol”. It’s a series of numbers that is given to computer router servers, and pretty much anything connected to the Internet (including websites)

Rootkit

Collection of programs or software tools that allow hackers to remotely access and control a computer or network. They don’t directly damage users, but have been used for purposes other than legal ones.

BYOD (Bring your own device)

A company policy that requires its workers to bring their own devices to work.

Pen-testing (Penetration test)

Security evaluation where manual exploitations and other techniques are used by security professionals.

Social Engineering

A method, that is growing in popularity, that gives access to restricted resources. It relies on user manipulation and human psychology.

Clickjacking

When someone is tricked into clicking something on a webpage.

Deepfake

A piece of audio or video that has been changed to make it seem credible. May be used to manipulate society.

MFA (Multi-factor authentication)

AKA “two-factor authentication”; makes it difficult for hackers to access your account by requiring you to provide at least two different credentials

User Authentication

A technique used to prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data

Antivirus

Virus detecting technology that shields users against viruses, spyware, trojans, and worms through email or web browsing

IoT (Internet of Things)

Commonplace items that are connected to the internet and are capable of autonomously collecting and transferring data without requiring human input. Anything that can be given an IP Adress that can transport data is part of the Internet of Things

Network

Two or more computers that are connected together to share resources (like printers and CDs), exchange files, or enable electronic communications make up a network

Cyber Attack

An attempt to beach a logical environment’s security boundry.

Ethical Hacking

Legal; breaking the rules of someone’s network to get sensitive information

Cyber Attack

An attempt to break into a security boundary