At a Glance
Main Takeaway
As technology advances, so does the world of cybersecurity. To stay ahead of the curve, business owners must be familiar with the latest industry threats, cybersecurity terms, and acronyms to implement the proper safeguards to protect the businesses’ assets.
Next Step
Learn the top 10 cybersecurity terms you need to know for 2022 and how working with a cybersecurity advisory firm can improve your cyber health.
2FA
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security to protect online accounts. Unlike a traditional password, which can be easily guessed or stolen, 2FA requires using two different factors to log in. These factors can include something that you know (such as a password), something that you have (such as a code generated by an authenticator app), or something biometric (such as your fingerprint).
By requiring two different factors, 2FA makes it much harder for attackers to access your accounts. In addition, many 2FA systems also provide the option to receive login alerts via text or email, which can help you quickly detect and respond to unauthorized activity. As a result, Two Factor Authentication can be an essential tool for protecting your online accounts.
Backdoor
A backdoor is a method of bypassing standard authentication or security controls. It is usually a trojan horse or malware placed on a system by an attacker with malicious intent. Once the backdoor is installed, the attacker can gain complete control of the system without needing to authenticate or obtain prior authorization.
Backdoors are often used to install other malware, such as viruses and spyware, onto a system. They can also give attackers remote access to a system, allowing them to steal data or conduct other malicious activities.
In some cases, attackers may use backdoors to create botnets, which are networks of infected computers that can be controlled remotely and used for various purposes, such as launching distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. Backdoors can be challenging to detect and remove and often represent a severe security threat.
Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that can only be accessed using special software. Search engines do not index it, and most websites on the dark web are only accessible through anonymous networks like TOR (short for The Onion Router), a free, open-source software for enabling anonymous communication.
The dark web is often associated with illegal activity, allowing people to anonymously buy and sell drugs, weapons, and other contraband. However, the dark web is also home to many legitimate businesses and services, such as journalists using it to communicate with sources securely.
In addition, the anonymity of the dark web can be used for good, such as in the case of whistleblowers who need to leak sensitive information without fear of reprisal. Whether used for good or ill, the dark web is an integral part of the internet that is likely here to stay.
FIDO
Fast Identity Online (FIDO) is a cybersecurity term that is a set of open standards that aim to reduce the reliance on passwords for authentication. FIDO standards define an interoperable set of mechanisms organizations can use to develop robust authentication solutions. These solutions are based on public-key cryptography and can be used to verify the user’s identity without revealing any sensitive information.
FIDO standards work with various devices, including smartphones, PCs, and biometric sensors. In addition, FIDO standards are backward-compatible with existing password-based systems, making it easy for organizations to transition to more robust authentication methods. As the world moves towards a more digital future, the need for strong authentication solutions will only continue to grow. FIDO standards provide a solid foundation for meeting this demand.
Keylogger
A keylogger (keystroke logger) is a surveillance technology that records and monitors every keystroke typed on a computer’s keyboard. Keyloggers can be hardware-based or software-based. Hardware-based keyloggers are physically attached to a computer’s keyboard, while software-based keyloggers reside within the computer’s hard drive and operate invisibly in the background.
Employers often use keyloggers to monitor employee activity or parents to monitor their children’s online activity. However, they can also be used for malicious purposes, such as stealing passwords or credit card numbers. As a result, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with using keyloggers.
Phishing
This type of cyberattack uses email or other forms of communication to trick victims into clicking on malicious links or attachments. Phishing attacks can often lead to malware installed on a victim’s device, giving attackers access to sensitive data.
Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly common and can be challenging to spot. It is essential to be aware of the signs of a phishing attack so that you can protect yourself and your data from cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The following are things to look out for:
- Emails or other communications that seem to come from a trusted source but contain strange or unexpected requests.
- Links or attachments you are not expecting or seem out of place in the email or communication.
- Numerous spelling and grammatical errors in the email or communication.
SECaaS
Security as a service (SECaaS) is a type of cloud computing that provides security-related services over the internet. SECaaS includes cloud-based firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and security information and event management (SIEM) solutions.
Security as a service can be delivered in several ways, including through a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform, a managed service provider (MSP), or an infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) provider.
Security as a service can be cost-effective for organizations to outsource their security needs. It can also help organizations quickly scale their security capabilities up or down as needed without investing in expensive on-premises hardware and software. In addition, SECaaS can provide organizations with access to the latest security technologies and expertise without hiring full-time staff.
SSL
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a technology that sets up an encrypted link between a web browser and a web server. This link ensures that all data between the two parties remains private and prevents anyone from eavesdropping on the communication. SSL is an essential security element for any website that handles sensitive data, such as personal identification information or credit card numbers.
A web server must first obtain an SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority to create an SSL connection. Once the certificate is installed on the server, the SSL handshake can occur. During the handshake, the server and browser exchange encryption keys and verify the certificate’s authenticity. Once the handshake is complete, all data exchanged between the parties will be encrypted and secure.
VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that can be used to increase online privacy and security. By routing internet traffic through a VPN server, users can encrypt their data and hide their IP addresses from prying eyes.
Additionally, VPNs can prevent ISPs from selling user data and safeguard against identity theft. However, choosing a reputable VPN service is crucial, as some free providers have been known to sell user data or inject ads into web pages.
WAF
A web application firewall (WAF) is security software that protects web applications from attack. WAFs work by monitoring traffic to and from a web application and blocking malicious traffic before it reaches the application. It can protect the application from attacks, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and session hijacking.
While WAFs are not a silver bullet for web security, they can be an effective tool for protecting applications from attack.
Protect Your Business With Windes
Get help from cyber threats by working with a cybersecurity consulting firm like Windes. We can perform a cybersecurity check to assess your IT network for vulnerabilities that compromise the safety of client, customer, and business data.
Windes offers a comprehensive menu of cybersecurity services for companies in Long Beach, Orange County, Los Angeles, and beyond to ensure your business is prepared and protected from cyber threats. Contact us today to start a cybersecurity assessment and develop a robust cybersecurity strategy.