20 Business Cybersecurity Terms
Welcome to our guide on 20 essential business cybersecurity terms!
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity has become a critical aspect for businesses of all sizes. With an increasing number of data breaches and cyber attacks, it is more important than ever to understand the key concepts and terminologies related to cybersecurity.
- Cybersecurity – the practice of protecting computer systems and networks from digital attacks, theft or damage to hardware, software or electronic data.
- Malware – a type of malicious software designed to disrupt, damage or gain unauthorized access to a computer system.
- Phishing – a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords or credit card details by disguising as a trustworthy entity in electronic communication.
- Data Breach – an incident where sensitive or confidential information is accessed, stolen or transmitted without authorization.
- Ransomware – a type of malware that restricts access to the infected system until a ransom is paid to the attacker.
- Firewall – a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
- Encryption – the process of converting plaintext into ciphertext, which is unreadable without the correct key, to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
- Authentication – the process of verifying the identity of a user or system attempting to access a computer or network.
- Vulnerability – a weakness in a system that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access or cause harm.
- Penetration Testing – a method of evaluating the security of a computer system, network or application by simulating an attack from an external source.
- Social Engineering – the use of psychological manipulation to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that may compromise security.
- Two-Factor Authentication – an additional layer of security that requires users to provide two forms of identification, typically a password and a unique code sent to their phone or email.
- Insider Threat – a security risk posed by individuals within an organization who have access to sensitive information and may intentionally or unintentionally cause harm.
- Antivirus – software designed to detect, prevent and remove malicious software from computer systems.
- Patch – a software update released by vendors to fix security vulnerabilities or improve functionality.
- Network Segmentation – the process of dividing a computer network into smaller subnetworks to enhance security and control access.
- Audit Trail – a record of activities performed on a computer system, used for tracking potential security breaches and monitoring user actions.
- Cyber Insurance – a type of insurance coverage that protects businesses from losses due to cyber attacks or data breaches.
- Incident Response – a planned approach to addressing and managing the aftermath of a security breach or cyber attack.
- Disaster Recovery Plan – a documented process outlining how an organization will respond and recover from a major cybersecurity incident or natural disaster. The plan includes procedures for restoring systems, data and operations to minimize business disruptions.
In conclusion, as we wrap up this discussion on 20 business cybersecurity terms, it is evident that having a solid understanding of these terms is crucial for safeguarding your organization’s sensitive data and systems. By being well-versed in these concepts, you can effectively communicate with IT professionals and make informed decisions regarding your company’s cybersecurity measures.
