With the ever-growing field of cybersecurity, a multitude of jargon and acronyms can make things seem a bit daunting. To bridge this knowledge gap, we’re here to help you understand some common acronyms we frequently use. Rather than organizing them alphabetically, we’ve grouped these terms based on their relevance to certain aspects of cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Tools and Practices
MFA – Multi-Factor Authentication
MFA is a security measure that requires users to provide multiple forms of identification before accessing sensitive data or systems. It significantly enhances security by making it much harder for unauthorized users to gain access, even if they have managed to acquire one form of identification (like a password). Common forms of MFA include password prompts, security questions, biometric verification (like fingerprints or facial recognition),and mobile app confirmations.
SOC – Security Operations Center
An SOC is essentially the war room where cybersecurity professionals monitor, analyze, and respond to security incidents using tools like SIEM.
SIEM – Security Information and Event Management
This tool enables real-time analysis of security alerts generated within a network, essentially acting as a watchdog for any unusual activities.
BDR – Backup and Disaster Recovery
This is a combination of data backup and disaster recovery solutions that work together to ensure a company’s continuity in the face of data loss or catastrophic failure.
VPN – Virtual Private Network
VPNs create a secure connection to another network over the Internet, shielding your browsing activity from prying eyes on public Wi-Fi, and more.
DDoS – Distributed Denial of Service
This attack attempts to disrupt the normal functioning of a network, service, or website by overwhelming it with a flood of Internet trac.
ATP – Advanced Threat Protection
An upgrade from standard anti-virus software, ATP is designed to detect and neutralize advanced malware by examining files and trac patterns.
MDR – Managed Detection and Response
MDR is a proactive cybersecurity service that combines threat monitoring, incident response, and threat hunting. It oers round-the-clock protection by an external team of experts, ready to address any potential threats immediately.
P2P – Peer to Peer
P2P refers to a decentralized form of network in which each party, or “peer”, has the same capabilities and both parties can initiate a communication session.
People In The Cybersecurity Ecosystem
CISO – Chief Information Security Officer
The CISO is the executive tasked with ensuring the security of an organization’s digital assets and information from potential cybersecurity threats.
vCIO — Virtual Chief Information Ocer
A consultant or service that oers part-time support equivalent to a conventional CIO’s function. They provide strategic IT management, including making decisions about implementing new technologies and ensuring cybersecurity..
MSP – Managed Service Provider
Managed Service Providers function as an outsourced IT and cybersecurity team for businesses. They proactively manage a company’s IT infrastructure and cybersecurity needs, typically on a contract-based model. This proactive approach to IT management helps to anticipate and mitigate potential issues before they can impact the business. From maintaining system operations and functionality to securing networks against cyber threats, MSPs provide crucial, ongoing IT support. MSPs often oer vCIO or vCISO services.
IT – Information Technology Specialists
These are the tech-savvy individuals or teams responsible for managing and optimizing a company’s technology-related issues and opportunities.
Regulatory Compliance and Framework
NIST – National Institute of Standards and Technology
NIST is a non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that develops technology, metrics, and standards to drive innovation and industrial competitiveness. NIST’s cybersecurity framework is widely used as a voluntary guideline for organizations looking to manage and mitigate cybersecurity risk in a cost-eective way.
FTC – Federal Trade Commission
The FTC is a U.S. government agency focused on consumer protection and preventing anti competitive business practices. In the realm of cybersecurity, it enforces privacy laws and regulations, working to ensure businesses safeguard their customers’ sensitive information and maintain fair privacy practices.
HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Passed in 1996, this act ensures the protection of patient data and privacy within the healthcare sector.
FISMA – Federal Information Security Management and Modernization Acts
Enacted in 2002 and revised in 2014, these acts mandate companies to establish and adhere to policies that secure information systems within the U.S. Federal Government.
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