What is an Advanced Persistent Threat (ATP)? An advanced persistent threat (APT) is a stealthy threat actor, typically a nation-state or state-sponsored group(s), which gains unauthorized access to computer networks and remain undetected for an extended period. Key Takeaways APT is a stealthy threat actor that gains unauthorized access to systems and remain undetected APT … Read more
What is Adware? Adware can be safe for users and a valid business advertisement-supported software. However, not all adware programs are genuine. Some are manipulative and open door for malicious activities. Developers create adware for advertising other software to earn money. Key Takeaways Some adware can be safe for users and a valid business advertisement-supported … Read more
What is Banner Grabbing? Banner grabbing is a technique used by hackers and security teams to gain information about a computer system on a network and services running on its open ports. A banner is a text displayed by a host server containing details like software type and version running in a system or server. … Read more
What is Cloud Security? Cloud security, also known as cloud computing security, encompasses a broad range of controls-based technologies, policies, and procedures that enterprises deploy to protect data, information, applications, communication channels, and infrastructure in the cloud. As with on-premise systems and data, businesses should vigilantly protect cloud-based information assets. Key Takeaways Cloud security refers … Read more
What is Cross-Site Scripting Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a client-side code injection attack. The web security vulnerability allows an attacker to compromise the interactions that users have with a vulnerable application. In XSS attacks, a hacker executes malicious scripts in a victim’s web browser by including malicious code in a legitimate web page or web … Read more
What is a Cyberattack? A cyberattack is a malicious activity that cybercriminals launch using different tactics against systems and networks. Hackers use cyberattacks to expose, gain unauthorized access, alter, steal, destroy, or make unauthorized use of information assets. Cybercriminals engage in offensive maneuvers that target information systems, infrastructures, computer networks, and personal devices to access … Read more
What is Cybersecurity? Cybersecurity consists of processes, procedures, and tools that businesses and individuals use to protect computers, servers, mobile devices, networks, applications, electronic systems, software, and information from malicious cyberattacks. Businesses and individuals use cybersecurity to prevent unauthorized access to information and systems. Key Takeaways Cybersecurity features the measures and processes businesses and individuals … Read more
What is a Denial of Service? A Denial of Service (DoS) attack is a malicious activity meant to shut down a system or a network, making it inaccessible to intended users. Hackers launch DoS attacks by flooding target systems with traffic or sending information that causes a network to crash. In both situations, the DoS … Read more
What is Eavesdropping? Merriam-Webster dictionary defines eavesdropping as the act of secretly listening to something private. In computer security, eavesdropping refers to the interception of communication between two parties by a malicious third party. An eavesdropping attack, also known as snooping or sniffing attack, is the theft of information transmitted over a network by … Read more
What is a Encryption? Encryption is a security control that alters information from a readable to random format to prevent unauthorized access. Encryption mechanisms convert a human-readable plain text to incomprehensible ciphertext. Key Takeaways Encryption is a process scrambling data to prevent unauthorized parties from accessing or modifying information Encryption uses a cryptographic key that … Read more
What is a Firewall? A firewall is a network security solution that monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic to permit or block data packets based on defined security rules. Packets refer to data pieces formatted for internet transfer. They contain details such as the source and destination’s IP addresses and the message content. A firewall … Read more
What is an Insider Threat? An insider threat is a security risk that originates within an organization. Insider threat actors include current employees, consultants, former employees, business partners, or board members A 2019 Verizon Data Breach Investigation Report reveals that 34 percent of data breaches involve internal actors. Seventeen percent of all sensitive files in … Read more
What is Malware? Malware is a contraction of malicious software. The umbrella term refers to viruses, worms, trojans, and other malicious computer programs hackers use to gain unauthorized access to systems and data. Malware encompasses any program that causes damage to a computer, server, or network, regardless of the technology used to create malicious software. … Read more
What is a Man-in-the-Middle Attack? Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack is a common attack method where hackers eavesdrop on an active communication channel between two users. As the name implies, the attackers position themselves in a spot to intercept the communication and retrieve essential information. Key Takeaways In MITM attacks, hackers eavesdrop on active communication channels between … Read more
What is Network Security? Network security refers to an organization’s strategy, technologies, devices, procedures, and other provisions for ensuring the security of information assets and all network traffic. It encompasses all physical and software measures that a business puts in place to protect networks from unauthorized access, misuse, destruction, and modification by insiders (employees, contractors, … Read more
What is Phishing? Phishing is a method that hackers employ to collect personal data using deceptive websites and emails. The goal is to trick the victim into believing that a message, a website, or an attachment is something they want or need. Hackers use deception to trick employees into clicking phishing emails. For instance, they … Read more
What is Ransomware? Ransomware is a malware that encrypts a victim’s files and systems. The malicious program prevents you from accessing your systems or files. The attacker demands a ransom from the target to restore access to files. In ransomware attacks, hackers display instructions on how victims can pay the ransom in exchange for the … Read more
What is a Social Engineering? Social engineering involves tricking a user into divulging sensitive information or taking action that enables a hacker to gain unauthorized access to systems. In social engineering attacks, hackers take advantage of a potential victim’s natural tendencies and emotional reaction. Attackers use social engineering tactics because is it easier to exploit … Read more
What is Spam? Spam is unsolicited bulk messages sent to multiple recipients. It is the use of messaging and emailing systems to send unsolicited messages to large numbers of recipients for commercial adverting and other prohibited purposes like phishing. Key Takeaways Spam is unsolicited bulk messages sent to multiple recipients Spam has evolved from an … Read more
What is a Spyware? Spyware is malicious software that infiltrates your computer to steal sensitive information. Spyware is a form of malware that gains access and causes damage to your systems, often without your knowledge. Spyware collects a victim’s personal information and sends to advertisers, data firms, or other users. Key Takeaways Spyware is malicious … Read more
What is SQL Injection? SQL injection is a code injection technique that might destroy a database. Code injection is the exploitation of a computer bug that results from processing invalid data. Attackers use injection to introduce or inject code into a vulnerable application or change the course of execution. SQL injection is one of the … Read more
What is a Supply Chain Attack? A supply chain attack, also known as a value-chain attack, occurs when a cybercriminal attacks your systems through an external partner or service provider with access to your network and data. The attack seeks to damage an organization by targeting less-secure elements in the supply chain. With more suppliers … Read more
What is a Third-Party Risk? Third-party risk is the possible risks or threats resulting from interactions with external parties. In every business, there are third-party partners, such as suppliers and contractors. Each of the eternal parties represents a security risk to the company. Third-party risks can affect an organization’s customer and employee data, IT networks, … Read more
What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)? A virtual private network (VPN) is a software or hardware device that creates a private network, giving you online privacy and anonymity in a public network. A VPN masks your internet protocol (IP) address to make it difficult to trace your online activities. Besides, a VPN establishes a … Read more
What is a Virus? A computer virus is a malicious program that spreads from host to host. These harmful programs can replicate and spread through files and documents. Viruses have existed for decades. The first virus was created in 1971. Hackers design and distribute viruses to alter the way a computer works. The malware inserts … Read more