Common Cybersecurity Terminologies Explained

1. Malware

Short for malicious software, this includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, etc. It’s designed to harm, exploit, or disable computers, systems, or networks.

2. Phishing

A type of cyberattack where attackers trick people into revealing personal information (like passwords or credit card numbers) by pretending to be a trustworthy entity, usually via email or text.

3. Firewall

A security system (hardware or software) that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.

4. Antivirus Software

A program designed to detect, prevent, and remove malware from computers and networks.

5. Encryption

A process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access. Only those with the decryption key can read the original data.

6. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

An extra layer of security requiring users to verify their identity using two methods: something they know (like a password) and something they have (like a phone).

7. Zero-Day

A vulnerability in software that’s unknown to the vendor. Hackers can exploit it before the developers release a fix—hence the term "zero days" to fix the issue.

8. Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attack

An attack that overwhelms a system, server, or network with traffic, making it inaccessible to users.

9. Botnet

A network of infected computers (called "bots") controlled by a hacker. Botnets can be used for sending spam, launching DDoS attacks, and more.

10. VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A service that creates a secure, encrypted connection over the internet, often used to protect data and maintain privacy online.

11. Patch

A software update that fixes bugs or vulnerabilities in a program. Keeping systems patched helps protect against known threats.

12. Social Engineering

A manipulation technique that exploits human psychology to gain access to systems or confidential data, often without needing to hack technical defenses.

13. Brute Force Attack

A trial-and-error method used to crack passwords or encryption keys by trying every possible combination.

14. Ransomware

A type of malware that locks or encrypts a victim's files and demands payment (ransom) to restore access.

15. Penetration Testing (Pen Test)

A simulated cyberattack on a system performed by security professionals to find and fix vulnerabilities before hackers do.

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