The Cyber Dictionary
No IT degree required. We translate confusing cybersecurity jargon into plain English.
Botnet
A network of infected computers controlled by a single attacker, often without the owners knowing.
Read definition →DDoS Attack
A malicious attempt to disrupt the normal traffic of a targeted server by overwhelming the target with a flood of internet traffic.
Read definition →Deepfake
Highly realistic, computer-generated videos or audio recordings designed to make it look like someone said or did something they never actually did.
Read definition →Encryption
The process of scrambling your digital information into an unreadable secret code so that hackers cannot steal it.
Read definition →End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)
A system of communication where only the communicating users can read the messages.
Read definition →Firewall
A network security device that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on an organization's previously established security policies.
Read definition →Identity and Access Management (IAM)
The framework of policies and technologies ensuring that the right users have the appropriate access to technology resources.
Read definition →Keylogger
A type of surveillance software that has the capability to record every keystroke you make to a log file.
Read definition →Malware
Any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer or network.
Read definition →Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
A security system that requires more than one method of authentication to verify a user.
Read definition →Passkey
A digital credential tied to a user account and a specific website or application, replacing the need for passwords.
Read definition →Password Manager
A software application designed to store and manage online credentials.
Read definition →Phishing
What is Phishing? A simple explanation of how scammers use fake emails to steal your information.
Read definition →Single Sign-On (SSO)
An authentication scheme that allows a user to log in with a single ID and password to any of several related, yet independent, software systems.
Read definition →Smishing
A form of phishing that uses mobile phone text messages to lure victims into revealing personal information or downloading malware.
Read definition →Social Engineering
The psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information.
Read definition →The Dark Web
A part of the internet that isn't indexed by search engines and requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access.
Read definition →VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A tool that hides your internet activity from snoops and makes it look like you are browsing from a different location.
Read definition →Zero Trust
A security framework requiring all users, whether in or outside the organization's network, to be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated.
Read definition →Zero-Day
A brand-new flaw in a software program that hackers discover before the software creator even knows it exists.
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