Here are 9 common cybersecurity terms you should know.
It's now more important than ever to pay attention to risks associated with cybersecurity. If your practice experinces a breach, the right vocabulary could help you diagnose and fix the problem fast. Here are 9 important terms to know. Â
Vulnerability:
A weakness in an information system, system security procedures, internal controls, or implementation that could be exploited or triggered by a threat.
Malware:
Malicious software designed to disrupt computer operations or steal information.
Ransomware:
A type of malware that locks users out of their data and encrypts it until a ransom is paid.
Virus:
A type of malware that can corrupt or erase information on a computer before spreading to other computers.
Worm:
Malware than can replicate itself to spread to other computers.
Phishing/spear phishing:
A scheme using an email to trick someone into divulging personal information or passwords. A spear phishing attack uses more detailed personal information to make an email appear to be coming from a known employee, business associate or family member.
Encryption:
The process of scrambling plain text so it is unreadable for the purpose of security or privacy.
Firewall:
Hardware or software that limits access between networks and/or systems in accordance with a specific security policy.
Risk assessment:
The process of identifying, prioritizing, and estimating risks. This includes determining the extent to which adverse circumstances or events could impact an enterprise.
