If your team isn’t clued up on cybersecurity basics, your defences are only half as strong. Get everyone speaking the same language by learning these must-know security terms — because protecting your organisation starts with understanding the threats.
Everyday Cybersecurity Terms
1. Phishing
If you’ve ever received a dodgy email asking for sensitive information, you’ve been on the receiving end of a phishing attempt. Cyber criminals craft convincing messages that look like they’re from trusted sources, hoping you’ll take the bait and click a link or share your credentials.
2. Malware
Malware, or malicious software, is the unwanted guest that wreaks havoc on your devices. It sneaks in through infected files or downloads, quietly corrupting systems or providing a backdoor for hackers to launch further attacks.
3. Ransomware
The digital version of holding someone for ransom — ransomware encrypts your files and demands payment for the decryption key. Often, attackers also threaten to leak sensitive data if the ransom isn’t paid, putting pressure on organisations to comply.
4. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
A solid way to prevent unauthorised access by adding an extra step to the sign-in process. MFA requires a second piece of information, like a code sent to your phone, making it harder for hackers to waltz in with just a stolen password.
5. Firewall
Think of a firewall as the bouncer of your network — only trusted traffic gets in, while malicious data gets stopped at the door. It filters incoming and outgoing network traffic to keep threats at bay.
6. Spyware
Spyware hides in your system, collecting data on your activity. It’s a favourite of cybercriminals looking to silently harvest valuable information without tipping you off.
7. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Who’s allowed to see what? IAM tools ensure the right people have the right access at the right time. It’s like assigning everyone in the office a digital key that only opens the doors they’re authorised to use.
Cyber tricks & deceptions
8. Social Engineering
It’s not just about the tech; sometimes, it’s about tricking the person. Social engineering manipulates individuals into handing over sensitive data by playing on human nature — think fake support calls, bogus customer service, or a well-timed phishing email.
9. Spear Phishing
Phishing’s more dangerous cousin. While regular phishing casts a wide net, spear phishing zeroes in on a specific target. These attacks are highly personalised, using details gathered from social engineering to craft emails that are harder to spot as fake.
10. Whaling
A spear-phishing attack aimed at the “big fish” — high-profile execs like CEOs or finance directors. The aim? Manipulate them into sharing information or making transactions that only someone in their position could authorise.
11. Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)
APT attacks are the long cons of the cyber world. Instead of a quick smash-and-grab, attackers lay low, carefully navigating through networks to steal information over time without being detected.
12. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS)
A DDoS attack overwhelms a network with traffic, making it impossible for legitimate users to access it. It’s like an army of bots all trying to storm a website at once, clogging it up and rendering it useless.
13. Password Managers
Ever get tired of remembering 20 different passwords? Password managers create and store strong passwords for you, keeping them safe in an encrypted vault. You only have to remember one master password to access the rest.
14. Privileged Access Management (PAM)
PAM controls who has access to the most sensitive parts of your system. If compromised, these “privileged accounts” could do serious damage, so they get extra security and monitoring.
Defensive Strategies & Protections
15. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
Zero Trust is the digital equivalent of “trust no one.” It requires every user and device, even those inside the network, to verify their identity. Even if hackers get in, they won’t be able to move around without triggering alerts.
16. Incident Response (IR)
When a breach happens, incident response is your emergency plan. It includes detecting, containing, and recovering from an attack — the faster, the better to minimise damage.
17. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
DLP tools make sure sensitive data doesn’t wander off where it shouldn’t. Think of it as a digital gatekeeper ensuring confidential files stay inside the office.
18. Network Access Control (NAC)
Just because someone’s connected to your network doesn’t mean they should have access to everything. NAC restricts access based on who you are and what device you’re using, limiting users to only what they need.
19. Browser Isolation
Tired of strict browsing rules? Browser isolation lets you surf without restrictions by putting a virtual barrier around your activity. It isolates risky content, keeping threats from getting into your main systems.
20. Cloud Encryption
This method scrambles data stored in the cloud, making it unreadable to outsiders. Even if someone manages to steal the data, it’s all gibberish without the right decryption key.
21. Container Security
Containers are a way to bundle applications and their dependencies. Container security tools make sure nothing malicious sneaks into these bundles, which are often used to deploy cloud apps quickly and safely.
Attack Simulations & Best Practices
22. Penetration Testing
Also called pen testing, it’s when a cybersecurity pro acts like a hacker to see where your defences are weakest. They’ll try to exploit vulnerabilities, giving you a chance to patch them before the real bad guys show up.
23. Threat Modeling
Planning for the worst by identifying where your systems are most vulnerable. It’s about anticipating how attackers might try to break in and then reinforcing those weak spots.
24. Shadow IT
All those unapproved apps, devices, and software your employees are using without telling IT? That’s shadow IT. It’s a big problem because if IT doesn’t know about it, they can’t secure it.
25. Biometric Authentication
Passwords are passé. Biometric authentication uses your unique physical traits (like fingerprints or facial recognition) to verify who you are. It’s one of the most reliable ways to confirm identity.
With this lingo under your belt, you’re better prepared to navigate the tricky waters of cybersecurity. And remember, while tools are important, educating your team is half the battle. So, share the knowledge — because cyber awareness is everyone’s responsibility!
Take Action to Secure Your Business Today
Don’t wait for a cyber incident to catch you off guard. Stay ahead of potential threats by implementing robust cyber security measures now.
