30 Cybersecurity Terms Everyone Should Know To Stay Safe Online
As the world moves increasingly towards a digital and online-focused future, cybersecurity has become an increasingly important issue.
From data breaches to malware attacks, the threats facing online users are constantly evolving and becoming more complex.
Currently, there’s a cyber attack every 39 seconds. The damage inflicted by these attacks can be devastating, with the world expected to lose $6 trillion to these attacks by the end of 2022.
Cybersecurity Terms
1. Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)
An Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) is a prolonged and targeted cyberattack where an intruder gains access to a network and remains hidden. These attacks often try to steal sensitive information. Highly skilled and well-funded groups typically execute them.
2. Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malware (malicious software) from your computer. In 2024, using antivirus software is still critical in protecting your devices from threats like viruses, worms, and trojans.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cybersecurity
AI is increasingly being used in everything from cybersecurity to design. When used to detect and respond to threats, AI can analyze patterns in data to identify unusual activity that may indicate a cyberattack. Today, AI-driven cybersecurity tools are becoming more common in personal and organizational security measures.
4. Black Hat Hackers
Black hat hackers are cybercriminals who find and use weaknesses in networks and systems. They break the law to steal data or spread malware.
5. Botnet
A botnet is a network of computers infected with malware and controlled remotely by a hacker. Botnets are often used to launch large-scale attacks, like sending spam or executing Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
6. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
BYOD refers to employee use of personal mobile devices for work purposes. While this can increase productivity, it also introduces security risks if the devices are not properly secured.
7. Clickjacking
Clickjacking is a type of cyberattack in which an attacker tricks a user into clicking on something other than what they expect. This can lead to accidentally downloading malware or sharing sensitive information.
8. Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying involves the use of digital platforms, like social media or messaging apps, to harass, threaten, or intimidate someone. This form of bullying can have severe emotional and psychological effects on victims.
9. Data Breach
A data breach occurs when unauthorized individuals access personal data, financial records, or login credentials. Data breaches have become increasingly common, with millions of records exposed (6,845,908,997 and counting) in recent years.
10. Deepfake
Deepfakes are AI-generated videos or images that realistically and convincingly alter reality. These can be used to spread misinformation, commit fraud, or manipulate individuals. As deepfake technology advances, it’s becoming harder to distinguish between real and fake media.
11. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attack
A DDoS attack happens when someone floods a target with a huge amount of internet traffic. This makes using the service hard or even impossible for real users.
12. Encryption
Encryption prevents unauthorized access by converting data into a code. This essential tool protects sensitive information, like credit card numbers or personal messages, especially when transmitted over the Internet.
13. Firewall
A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls the traffic entering and leaving a network based on set rules. It is crucial for protecting networks from unauthorized access and various cyber threats.
14. Internet of Things (IoT) Security
IoT security is a cybersecurity strategy to protect internet-connected devices, like smart home gadgets, from cyberattacks. These devices were not created with security in mind, leaving them vulnerable to attacks. As more devices become connected, more personal information is at risk. Ensuring the security of IoT devices has become increasingly important
15. IP Address
An IP address is a unique string of numbers assigned to each device connected to the internet. It allows devices to communicate with each other. Cybercriminals can use IP addresses to track online activity or launch attacks.
16. Machine Learning (ML)
Machine learning, a subset of AI, involves creating algorithms that can learn from and make predictions based on data. In cybersecurity, ML is used to detect new types of threats by analyzing patterns and identifying anomalies in data.
17. Malware
Malware is software designed to harm or exploit any programmable device, service, or network. Common types of malware include viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware. In 2024, malware will remain a major threat to individuals and organizations.
18. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attack
An MITM attack results from a cybercriminal hacking communication between two parties without their knowledge. This type of attack can result in the theft of sensitive data, such as login credentials or credit card numbers.
19. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is an extra layer of security that requires multiple verification methods to confirm a user’s identity. For example, you might need to enter a password followed by a code sent to your phone. MFA is increasingly recommended as a way to protect online accounts.
20. Password Management Tools
Password management tools can be used to securely store and create strong passwords. Because creating new passwords for every account is crucial, having a password manager can help keep track of sign-on information to log in faster while making it harder for cybercriminals to access accounts.
21. Phishing
Phishing is a cyberattack that attempts to trick people into providing personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, by pretending to be a legitimate source, like a bank or social media site. It remains one of the most common methods cybercriminals use to steal information.
22. Public Wi-Fi Networks
Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but often unsecured. Cybercriminals can exploit these networks to conduct attacks, such as man-in-the-middle attacks. Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on public Wi-Fi can help protect your data.
23. Ransomware
Ransomware is malware that locks you out of your computer or files and demands a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency, to restore access. In recent years, ransomware attacks have targeted individuals and large organizations, causing billions of dollars in losses.
24. Security Awareness Training
Security awareness training educates people on recognizing and responding to cybersecurity threats. In many organizations, this training is critical for preventing attacks that exploit human error, such as phishing or social engineering.
25. Smishing
Smishing is a form of phishing that uses text messages to trick individuals into providing sensitive information or downloading malicious software. As mobile phone usage increases, smishing has become a growing threat.
26. Social Engineering
Social engineering is a tactic used by cybercriminals to manipulate individuals into revealing confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. This method often exploits human emotions, such as fear or urgency, to achieve its goals.
27. Spyware
Spyware is software that secretly monitors your computer activity and collects personal information, such as browsing habits or passwords, without your consent. Spyware is often used for malicious purposes, like identity theft.
28. Trojan Horse
Social engineering is a tactic used by cybercriminals to manipulate individuals into revealing confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. This method often exploits human emotions, such as fear or urgency, to achieve its goals.
29. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection over the internet. It’s especially useful when using public Wi-Fi networks, as it helps protect your data from cybercriminals who may be trying to intercept it.
30. Vishing
Vishing (voice phishing) involves using phone calls or voice messages to trick individuals into providing personal information, such as bank details or passwords. Vishing attacks often use social engineering techniques to convince victims to share sensitive data.
Bonus Term! Zero Trust Architecture
Zero Trust Architecture is a security model that operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” Unlike traditional security models, which assume everything inside an organization’s network is safe, Zero Trust assumes that threats can exist both inside and outside the network.
It requires strict verification of every user, device, and application trying to access resources, regardless of location. This approach is becoming increasingly important as more organizations move to cloud services and remote work environments.
Learning these key terms arms you with basic cybersecurity knowledge. Whether your goal is to stay safe or pursue a career in this field, understanding these concepts will empower you to confidently navigate the digital realm.
Now that you understand cybersecurity terms better, let’s talk about safety.
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