Unveiling the Mysteries of Cybersecurity: A Comprehensive Glossary for Beginners
In the realm of cybersecurity, the language used can often sound like a foreign tongue. At TechCrunch, we have been immersed in the world of cybersecurity for years, yet even we find ourselves needing a refresher on certain terms from time to time. That's why we've compiled this glossary, which covers both common and uncommon words and phrases that frequently appear in our articles. Our goal is to provide clear explanations of these terms and why they matter in the cybersecurity landscape.
This glossary is a work in progress, and we will continue to update it regularly with new entries and insights.
Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)
An Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) is a term often used to describe a hacker or group of hackers who gain and maintain unauthorized access to a targeted system. These intruders aim to remain undetected for extended periods, engaging in activities such as espionage, data theft, or system sabotage. APTs are typically well-funded hackers with access to sophisticated tools, often associated with nation-states like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. However, there are also financially motivated cybercriminal groups that exhibit similar persistence and capabilities.
Arbitrary Code Execution
Arbitrary code execution refers to the ability to run commands or malicious code on a system due to a security vulnerability. This can occur remotely or with physical access to the affected system. Code execution is often used to establish backdoors for persistent access or to run malware for deeper system infiltration.
Botnet
Botnets are networks of compromised internet-connected devices controlled by a command-and-control server. These devices, such as webcams and routers, are hijacked by malware and used in cyberattacks to mask malicious traffic, deliver malware, or launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
Bug
A bug is a software glitch that causes errors or unexpected behavior, potentially leading to system crashes or security vulnerabilities. The term originated in 1947 when a moth disrupted early room-sized computers, highlighting the existence of bugs in technology.
Command-and-Control Server (C2)
Command-and-control servers are used by cybercriminals to manage compromised devices and launch cyberattacks, including malware delivery and DDoS attacks.
Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking involves using a device's computational power to mine cryptocurrency without the owner's consent. Malicious hackers may deploy malware to compromise numerous devices for large-scale cryptocurrency mining.
Data Breach
A data breach occurs when protected data is improperly accessed or exfiltrated from its original storage location. The circumstances surrounding a data breach can vary, influencing how it is described and addressed.
Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS)
A DDoS attack floods internet targets with junk traffic, overwhelming servers and causing services to go offline. Botnets are commonly used to launch DDoS attacks.
Encryption
Encryption scrambles data to make it unreadable, typically using algorithms and private keys to protect information. End-to-end encryption (E2EE) secures digital communications by allowing only intended recipients to decrypt messages.
Escalation of Privileges
An escalation of privileges involves exploiting a bug to gain unauthorized access to a system, potentially allowing malware to spread and deepen its impact.
Exploit
An exploit abuses a vulnerability to breach a system, enabling unauthorized access or malicious activities.
Hacker
The term "hacker" has diverse meanings within the cybersecurity community, ranging from security researchers to malicious actors. Context and intentions guide how hackers are described, distinguishing between ethical security researchers and criminal cybercriminals.
Infosec
Infosec, short for information security, focuses on defensive cybersecurity practices to safeguard data and information.
Jailbreaking
Jailbreaking involves circumventing device security restrictions to gain additional functionality or conduct security research.
Malware
Malware encompasses various malicious software types, including spyware for surveillance and ransomware for file encryption and extortion.
Metadata
Metadata provides information about digital content, such as file details or creation information, aiding in content identification.
Ransomware
Ransomware encrypts files to prevent access, demanding ransom payments for decryption keys. Ransomware attacks have evolved into a lucrative criminal industry targeting individuals and corporations.
Remote Code Execution
Remote code execution allows running commands or malware on a system from a remote location without user interaction, posing significant security risks.
Spyware
Spyware, often commercial or government-grade, monitors and spies on targets' devices, granting access to data and device functions.
Stalkerware
Stalkerware, a form of spyware, is used for spying on individuals' devices, often by domestic partners or spouses.
Threat Model
Threat modeling involves assessing risks and creating security strategies to protect against potential threats, tailored to specific scenarios and adversaries.
Unauthorized Access
Unauthorized access breaches a system's security features, such as passwords, constituting illegal activity. The term is used subjectively by companies and can encompass a range of security breaches.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN allows users to access private networks securely from remote locations, enhancing privacy and security online.
Vulnerability
A vulnerability, or security flaw, exposes systems to risks, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data compromise. Vulnerabilities can be exploited individually or chained together for deeper system infiltration.
Zero-Day
A zero-day vulnerability is a security flaw publicly disclosed or exploited before a vendor can release a fix, leaving systems vulnerable to exploitation.
This comprehensive glossary aims to demystify cybersecurity terminology, empowering readers to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity threats and defenses. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and take proactive steps to protect your data and digital assets in an increasingly interconnected world.