A cybersecurity glossary helps you understand cybersecurity terminology and how it relates to your work. For example, it explains cyber espionage, PII (personally identifiable information), and botnets. It also discusses cryptocurrency and cybersecurity threats.
Table of Contents
PII is personally identifiable information
PII is a term in the cybersecurity glossary of terms that refers to any information that can be used to identify a person. PII is a growing concern for many people, as it can be used legitimately by companies that collect it and illicitly by cyber criminals. New legislation is emerging to protect this data and to make it more difficult for hackers to steal it. Companies are also required to protect this data.
Standards, such as HIPAA, protect healthcare data and financial data. HIPAA defines and enforces security standards for healthcare organizations. These standards apply to financial organizations as well. Violations of these standards can lead to massive fines.
Cyberespionage
Cyberespionage occurs when someone breaks into an organization’s computer systems to gather information or to commit another act. The act can be committed by a government or an individual and have many consequences. In some instances, cyberespionage has the potential to shut down an entire organization. This can affect national security and financial systems.
Cyberespionage can be classified as the unlawful attempt to gain access to confidential information or steal trade secrets. There are several ways to prevent this from happening. The first step is to ensure that your data is encrypted and secure. The second step is to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Botnets
Botnets are remote-controlled networks of malicious computers used to carry out attacks against target computers. Typically, the attacker uses malicious software or viruses to gain access to and control the computers in the network. However, the botnet members often do not know they are being used this way. Boundary: A boundary is the limit or relationship of an organization or system to its neighbors. It is also the physical perimeter of a system or network.
Cryptocurrency
A cryptocurrency is a decentralized digital asset that functions as a medium of exchange using cryptography. Although it is still relatively new, it has already threatened businesses and individuals, as governments have yet to figure out appropriate legal structures and business norms. In addition, the decentralized nature of cryptocurrency also presents an opportunity for cybercriminals, who can use it to gain access to companies’ funds and exchange them for illicit goods. Occasionally, cryptocurrency is even used to exchange during ransomware attacks.
A new type of blockchain technology is being used to develop cybersecurity solutions. This technology, called Distributed Ledger Technology, can help secure funds and eliminate a single point of failure. It can also securely store sensitive information, like passwords and personal details. However, it is important to remember that the complexity of blockchain implementation may make it difficult to implement in cybersecurity.
Adaptive Authentication
Adaptive authentication is a method for ensuring the security of online accounts. By using artificial intelligence and machine learning, these solutions monitor user behavior over time, identify suspicious behavior, and automatically adjust the number of authentication factors to prevent unauthorized access. For example, low-risk users can be identified by their password alone, while high-risk users need a second factor to prove their identity.
Adaptive authentication aims to minimize friction for users. It is a more secure approach than traditional user authentication methods like usernames and passwords. In addition, it enables organizations to offer different levels of authentication based on different factors. For example, if a user transfers money from one country to another, their bank might require more authentication methods than a password and username. In addition, banks may customize their authentication methods to work on different types of devices, including mobile and PCs.
Patch management
Patch management is an important part of any cybersecurity program. It prevents the installation of unpatched software on systems and allows businesses to stay current. There are a variety of patches available for software applications, and they are usually released every month. Using a tool like the CICSA Common Vulnerability Scoring System, IT administrators can identify which patches need to be applied and which are not. Then they can prioritize them by risk.
Patch management helps keep computer systems and networks up-to-date and secure. It is also a way to maintain compliance with security regulations. Patches can also improve the performance of computers and software. A good patch management program is a great way to improve performance while bringing the software up to date. Patch management software can be installed on standalone systems or managed by a managed service provider.
Business email compromise (BEC)
BEC is a term in cybersecurity that refers to attacks that target businesses and organizations through email. These attacks are often carried out by impersonating company executives or high-level brass. They are often accompanied by malicious attachments and are used to steal sensitive information and hold companies to ransom. These attacks can affect any company, regardless of size. They often target executives or owners, but they can also affect employees with access to company details and financial information.
To protect against BEC, organizations must educate employees and train them to be vigilant when opening suspicious emails. Unfortunately, many users are unaware of the dangers of malicious emails and may even fall for them. However, comprehensive training improves a company’s defense against BEC attacks and empowers employees to report issues to the IT department. Furthermore, regular training and awareness campaigns will help IT teams stay current on evolving BEC risks.