CYBERSECURITY GLOSSARY

An advanced persistent threat (APT) is a complex, sophisticated, and covert cyber attack in which an unauthorized party gains access to a system or network and remains undetected for an extended duration—sometimes months or years.

As APTs require extensive experience and resources, only highly skilled and well-resourced threat actor groups can perform them (including nation-states). APT attacks are usually conducted for espionage, data theft, or operational disruption.

APT attacks are noted for their stealth. They typically infiltrate networks by deploying a combination of social engineering, spear-phishing, SQL injections, DDoS attacks, and exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities (vulnerabilities that have not been disclosed or patched). Once attackers have breached the target, they often install a backdoor shell, such as Trojans or other forms of malware, to enable their remote operations.

With a strong foothold established, the APT progresses as the threat actors move laterally across the network, escalating their access privileges to compromise as many on-prem, cloud, and SaaS systems and assets as possible. These activities can continue for extended periods until a customer, employer, or partner notices suspicious behavior — or a business disruption occurs. VentureBeat reports that the average breach life cycle is 287 days. The APT remains unnoticed on average for 212 days, and most organizations take 75 days to contain it.

Defending against advanced persistent threats requires a layered security strategy that incorporates application and domain whitelisting, multi-factor authentication (MFA), vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, end-to-end encryption, consistently patching OS and network vulnerabilities, firewalls, traffic and activity monitoring, access control, and threat detection. Adhering to cybersecurity frameworks, such as NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, provides a structured approach to assessing risks, crafting security policies, and setting up defenses tailored to the sophisticated nature of APTs.

Investing in tools that can identify and correlate seemingly unrelated activities indicating an intrusion, such as unexpected and large volumes of data transfers from sensitive areas, can drastically reduce the time to detect and remediate an APT.

Adversarial AI involves discreetly manipulating data entered into AI programs and machine learning models. These attacks can make AI systems behave unpredictably or incorrectly, typically producing mistakes or misclassifications. 

Adversarial AI attacks can pose significant risk and create serious consequences for businesses and consumers alike. For example, a two-inch piece of black tape placed on a speed limit sign tricked Tesla’s Mobileye EyeQ3 camera into relaying incorrect information into the vehicle’s autonomous driving feature. The Tesla then exceeded the speed limit by 50 mph.

In the digital world, adversarial AI attacks subtly alter digital images — often by just one pixel — to deceive AI-driven image recognition systems. These changes can lead systems to mislabel images, misidentify faces, or misinterpret visual data from sensors. Understanding and mitigating these risks is vital, particularly in sectors where AI decision-making is critical.

Attack surface management (ASM) involves systematically identifying, monitoring, and securing all points of an organization’s digital footprint that can potentially be exploited by attackers. An attack surface includes the network endpoints, webpages, APIs, cloud services, and other digital assets that can be accessed externally. 

ASM is a critical component of an organization’s cybersecurity strategy, and reducing the attack surface decreases the risk of unauthorized access and breaches. ASM tools help organizations discover, catalog, and manage their exposure to cyber threats. Organizations should regularly scan for vulnerabilities, evaluate security configurations and access rights, review and update policies, and assess how new technologies or services may grow or alter the attack surface risk. 

Attack vectors are methods or pathways cybercriminals use to infiltrate a computer, network system, cloud environment, or SaaS application. Common vectors include compromised credentials, phishing, email attachments, malware, DDoS attacks, SQL injections, vulnerability exploits, browser-based attacks, and malicious insiders (also called insider threats). 

Each vector requires defensive strategies to mitigate the risk of threat actors gaining unauthorized access. To limit the possibilities of internal and external exploits on attack vectors, organizations should:

• Conduct regular employee training to recognize phishing attempts and understand how malicious actors behave.
• Encrypt data.
• Consistently patch OS and network vulnerabilities.
• Enforce strong password policies. 
• Use robust monitoring services to detect and prevent malware infections.
  

A brute force attack is a trial-and-error method used to decode a password or encrypted data. Attackers employ brute force most often for cracking passwords, but they also use this method to obtain encryption keys, API keys, and SSH logins. Threat actors will systematically try every possible combination of letters, numbers, and symbols until they guess correctly. These attacks are often opportunistic without reconnaissance on the intended target. While a simple method, brute force attacks remain effective against weak security. 

To protect against brute force attacks, organizations should implement complex, strong passwords combined with security measures such as CAPTCHA, account lockout policies, and the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA). These steps significantly reduce the risk of a successful brute force attack by increasing the complexity and time required to break into an account.

Cloud application security focuses on protecting cloud-based software against various forms of cyber threats. This includes the policies, processes, coding practices, and security controls needed to reduce risk across applications in collaborative cloud environments throughout their development, deployment, and entire life cycle.

Protecting applications in cloud environments involves integrating security at multiple levels, including the application layer, the network, and the data itself. Techniques such as encryption, identity and access management (IAM), and application security testing are commonly employed. Organizations must also ensure they comply with relevant regulations and standards across all the geographies where cloud applications are deployed and used.

Cloud computing refers to the delivery and availability of computing services using a distributed collection of servers (“the cloud”) that are accessed over the internet and purchased on a pay-as-you-go basis. This spans the full computing spectrum, including storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence. Because cloud computing functions as a shared resource, it typically offers lower operating costs and flexibility, allowing organizations to scale as business needs change. According to Mordor Intelligence, the cloud computing market will reach $1.44 trillion USD by 2029.

Cloud computing security involves ensuring data privacy, protecting against unauthorized data access, and managing the security configurations of widely distributed services. While cloud systems offer proprietary security tools, most cloud vendors follow a “shared responsibility model,” meaning clients are solely responsible for securing their data and access rights in cloud environments.

Cloud native technologies refer to applications specifically developed for — and deployed in — cloud environments. Applications “born in the cloud” often use microservices architecture, container orchestration, and auto-scaling, allowing organizations to build and update applications rapidly and manage them in a more modular fashion. Cloud-ready refers to applications built in traditional environments that are subsequently migrated to the cloud.

Cloud native technologies are usually “loosely coupled,” an architectural approach that emphasizes building application components independently from one another. In such a scenario, the entire system is unaffected if one element fails. This is crucial for maintaining high availability and delivering continuous service.

Cloud security architecture refers to the configuration of hardware, software systems, and security infrastructure in use to apply safeguards within a cloud setup. This architecture involves defining the security controls and the measures needed to protect a cloud environment against threats and unauthorized access. A well-designed cloud security architecture will align with the organization’s broader security policies and compliance requirements.

This architecture typically includes layers of security controls, including security information and event management (SIEM) and intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), firewall configurations, and data encryption strategies. Effective cloud security architectures protect data and ensure secure connectivity between on-premises and cloud resources, manage the distribution of security policies, and provide mechanisms for continuous monitoring and logging.

Cloud Security Frameworks offer structured guidelines designed to help organizations implement, measure, and improve their cloud security posture. Common frameworks include NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27017, PCI DSS (for secure credit card payments), CIS Controls and the Cloud Security Alliance Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM). These frameworks provide best practices and standards to protect cloud services against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Implementing a cloud security framework helps organizations manage and mitigate risks associated with cloud computing. It ensures that security considerations are integrated into the cloud adoption strategy from the outset — and that compliance with legal and regulatory requirements is maintained. These frameworks are typically updated as new threats arise.

Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a security vulnerability typically found in web applications that threat actors exploit to compromise user sessions, deface websites, or redirect users to malicious sites. XSS enables attackers to inject malicious code in browser-side scripts of web pages viewed by other users. 

A cross-site scripting vulnerability may be used by attackers to bypass access controls such as the same-origin policy, which permits scripts contained in a first web page to access data in a second web page only if both web pages have the same origin. The attacker will inject malicious scripts into content from otherwise reliable websites, which is then executed by a user’s browser, leading to theft of cookies, session tokens, and similar information retained by the browser.

To protect against XSS, web developers can employ secure programming techniques, such as using frameworks that automatically escape XSS by design, implementing content security policy (CSP) headers, and running security scans and code reviews to detect potential XSS vulnerabilities.

A cyber attack is any attempt to expose, alter, disable, destroy, steal, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. This includes on-prem, cloud, and SaaS systems. Cyber attacks can range from installing spyware on a personal computer to attempting to compromise the digital infrastructure of governments. 

Cyber attacks are a constant and growing threat to organizations. They can lead to the theft of sensitive data, financial loss, or damage to the reputation of the affected entity. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports that cyber attacks have more than doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic.  

To protect against cyber attacks, organizations must prioritize cybersecurity across policies and business processes, ensuring employees, partners, and vendors adhere to rigorous standards. 

Cyber hygiene involves the ongoing practices and procedures that organizations and their employees must follow to maintain the health of their devices, applications, and network, along with improving online security. This routine helps ensure the safety and resilience of employee, customer, and partner identities and their associated data. Cyber hygiene is crucial to protecting sensitive data from cyber attacks and breaches. 

Basic cyber hygiene measures can include installing regular OS and software updates, educating employees on phishing techniques, using VPNs for secure connections, ensuring firewalls are properly configured, performing regular backups and patch updates, enforcing strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA), and encrypting data. 

Cyber insurance protects organizations from the costs incurred when recovering from a cyber-related security breach or similar event. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports that cyber attacks have more than doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic, so cyber insurance is becoming a necessity for many organizations. 

Depending on the coverage options selected, a cyber insurance policy can cover costs related to first—and third-party damages, including notification costs, credit monitoring, legal fees, and fines or penalties.

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from cyber attacks and unauthorized access. This discipline helps organizations shield sensitive information like customer and employee data and financial records, prevent business disruptions, and safeguard against potential financial losses resulting from data breaches.

From safeguarding personal data on individual devices to defending large enterprise networks against sophisticated global threats, cybersecurity’s scope is broad and continually growing. Many organizations’ IT departments focus their cybersecurity efforts on:

• Network security — protecting the underlying infrastructure from intrusions.
• Application security — keeping the data or code within apps free of threats.
• Information security — preserving the integrity and privacy of data both stored and in transit across on-prem, cloud, and SaaS systems.
  

Modern cybersecurity strategies rely on a “defense in depth” approach that advocates for multiple layers of defensive mechanisms to protect data and systems. This ensures that if one layer fails, another will mitigate the threat, providing multiple opportunities to detect and respond to potential attacks. To this end, organizations are now incorporating AI and machine learning (ML) to identify and analyze threats more efficiently than traditional methods do. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing are also vital in uncovering potential weaknesses that could be exploited by cyber attackers. Ongoing training programs help employees understand and avoid common threats, such as phishing scams, making them an indispensable part of an organization’s cyber defense strategy.

Strong threat detection and incident response plans are critical as cyber attackers (also called threat actors) deploy more sophisticated tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to breach cyber defenses. These plans should detail procedures for detecting attacks, assessing their impact, containing them, and recovering from any damage.

Effective cybersecurity requires collaboration across all departments — from IT to human resources — to ensure that every facet of an organization promotes a secure environment.

Dark web monitoring continuously searches for the exchange and sale of personal and organizational data on the dark web, a part of the internet hidden from search engines and only accessible by using an anonymizing web browser such as Tor. Due to its anonymous nature that conceals users’ identities, the dark web is a common marketplace for stolen data and illegal activities.

This monitoring is crucial for detecting whether sensitive business information — such as customers’ PII or an organization’s intellectual property — is being traded or sold illegally. Services that offer dark web monitoring will inform users when their information is found online. This allows them to take proactive steps, such as changing passwords or contacting financial institutions, to protect themselves against identity theft or other cybercrimes.

A data breach involves the unauthorized access of confidential, protected, or sensitive data. Data breaches may target personal health information (PHI), personally identifiable information (PII), payment cardholder data, trade secrets, intellectual property, or similar data. An attacker will often exfiltrate this data and hold it for ransom or attempt to sell it on the dark web.

A breach can happen through various tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), including social engineering, spear-phishing, SQL injections, DDoS attacks, exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities (vulnerabilities that have been disclosed but not yet patched), malware attacks, malicious insiders, or simple human error. 

The costs of data breaches can be severe, with IBM reporting the global average cost clocking in at $4.45 million USD. “Cost” can also include significant reputational damage that can lead to organizations losing customers and even shuttering their business.

Due to the frequency and high cost of data breaches, many organizations are investing in preventive measures such as encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and cybersecurity training for employees to mitigate the risks of data breaches. Threat detection paired with a robust incident response plan is key to managing and mitigating breach damage.

Data encryption converts plaintext information into an unreadable format (called ciphertext) that can only be decrypted with a key. This process protects the data’s confidentiality at rest, in transit, and in use over insecure networks. End-to-end encryption refers to data that is:

• Encrypted on the sender’s system.
• Remains encrypted while passing through intermediate systems.
• Only decrypted by the intended recipient when they provide the key (sometimes a passphrase).
  

Data encryption is used extensively across all types of industries. It helps organizations safeguard customer data and comply with privacy laws and regulatory requirements designed to protect data from unauthorized access and breaches. 

Data exfiltration is the unauthorized transfer of data from a computer or other device. Threat actors typically exfiltrate data after a breach, while malicious insiders (also known as insider threats) may also gain unauthorized access to the data. Data thieves can exfiltrate data manually if they have physical access to it or, more commonly, by using malicious software to remotely automate the process.

To prevent data exfiltration, organizations should require strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA), continuously monitor outbound data transfers, enforce strict access controls, establish threat detection procedures and response strategies, encrypt sensitive data, and employ data loss prevention (DLP) technologies. Employee training to recognize social engineering and phishing attacks can also reduce the risk of data exfiltration.

Data protection refers to the processes of safeguarding important, sensitive information and maintaining compliance with privacy laws and industry best practices, while data security focuses on protecting data from unauthorized access and data breaches.

A comprehensive cybersecurity approach includes both data protection and data security measures, such as end-to-end encryption, access controls, backup and recovery processes, and data privacy policies and procedures that govern how data is handled and kept secure.

The deep web refers to portions of the internet that are not indexed by standard search engines (also called web crawlers). This includes private databases, emails, many social media networks, content behind paywalls, and membership websites not meant for public viewing. By most estimates, the deep web accounts for 90% of the internet. 

The dark web, however, is roughly 5% of the deep web, and it is intentionally hidden and is only accessible using an anonymizing web browser such as Tor. Due to its anonymous nature that conceals users’ identities, the dark web is a common marketplace for stolen data and illegal activities. Monitoring the dark web for the illicit exchange and sale of personal and organizational data is a common part of an overall cybersecurity defense strategy.

A digital certificate certifies the identity of an individual, organization, or device. This secure digital file is comparable to a digital passport or ID, ensuring that the entity you are interacting with online is authentic. Certification in digital spaces is crucial for establishing a foundation of trust and enabling secure, encrypted communications across the internet. This is particularly important for data transfers where sensitive information is at stake, such as online financial exchanges and patient records.

Digital certificates are issued by trusted entities known as certificate authorities (CAs). These certificates include key details about the certificate holder, such as the organization’s name, a serial number, and their public key, along with the digital signature of the issuing authority. This combination of information helps verify the credibility and legitimacy of the certificate holder and secures data in transit from cyber threats​​.

When a user visits a secured website, which is noted by “https” — instead of “http” — in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar, the digital certificate activates SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security). SSL or TLS will create a secure, encrypted connection between the user’s browser and the server, ensuring that no unauthorized parties can intercept and read sensitive information during the digital transmission.

Digital certificates require periodic renewal to demonstrate their ongoing validity, and expired certificates can cause significant service disruptions, as most web browsers warn users before they enter a noncertified website. Most organizations rely on a third party to monitor, automate, and maintain digital certificates to avoid these issues.

In addition to creating secure connections, digital certificates help organizations maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and may improve SEO rankings. These certificates also enhance consumer trust, especially in e-commerce scenarios, where security of transactions is fundamental​.

Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks attempt to render a website or network resource unavailable by overwhelming it with a flood of traffic from multiple sources. These malicious attacks rely on computers and similar devices (such as IoT devices) that are infected with malware. The threat actor will instruct this network of infected devices to target the victim’s IP address, resulting in a “denial of service” to normal site visitors, as the server or network has become overwhelmed.

Large-scale DDoS attacks can bring down servers and networks, interrupting business operations and causing significant economic damage. To defend against DDoS attacks, organizations will often overprovision bandwidth and implement anti-DDoS hardware. Cloud-based DDoS mitigation services offer continuous monitoring and real-time response, helping ensure services remain available to legitimate users.

Endpoint monitoring involves continuously observing and managing the various endpoints on a network, such as servers, computers, laptops, and smartphones, in order to identify and respond to potential security threats. Effective endpoint monitoring can detect unusual behavior that may indicate a security issue.

Solutions for endpoint monitoring range from basic antivirus software to advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) platforms. These tools are critical for early detection of potential security incidents, allowing for quick remediation.

Endpoint protection software provides security measures to detect, prevent, and respond to threats at the device level (the “endpoints”). This software can include antivirus, anti-spyware, firewall, and intrusion-prevention capabilities, along with automated daily monitoring and integrity validation. It often employs behavioral analysis to detect unusual actions that may signify malicious intent.

Endpoint protection software plays an integral role in an organization’s cybersecurity strategy, as endpoints are often the target of initial attack vectors, such as phishing or malware.

Endpoint security refers to the protection of devices such as computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets from malicious activity and unauthorized access. These devices, or endpoints, are essential for any organization, as they serve as potential entry points for security threats. A critical aspect of modern cybersecurity strategies, endpoint security ensures that each device connected to the network is safeguarded, even when operated outside of the traditional corporate network.

The need for endpoint security has grown substantially since the late 2000s with the adoption of remote work models and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies. The variety of endpoints continues to grow from traditional PCs and mobile devices to IoT devices like smart fridges and HVAC systems. Threat actors can potentially compromise any type of endpoint and breach an organization’s network​.

Modern endpoint security solutions go beyond traditional antivirus software, which relies on known threat signatures. They often employ behavior-based analytics and machine learning to better detect unusual activities that could indicate new or evolving threats. Options like endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems play a key role with continuous monitoring and real-time response capabilities, allowing security teams to quickly identify and mitigate threats​​. To consolidate visibility and control over all endpoints, some organizations turn to unified endpoint management (UEM) solutions that enhance the ability to enforce security policies, deploy patches, and perform audits across the entire network​​. For organizations with numerous company-issued smartphones and tablets, mobile device management (MDM) can quickly and effectively lock and wipe devices remotely in the event of loss or theft​​.

Beyond the protection of physical devices, endpoint security must provide encryption to protect data both stored on and transmitted from devices, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and safeguarding against data breaches. Educating employees on best practices for protecting their endpoints should include strong password habits, the dangers of public Wi-Fi, and the recognition of social engineering tactics such as phishing.

Endpoint security is not merely a product but a multifaceted strategy to protect against a broad spectrum of cyber threats. Organizations must remain proactive in updating and integrating their endpoint security measures into their broader security framework. 

Ethical hackers, also known as white hat hackers, are security professionals who apply their hacking skills for defensive purposes. As the “good guys” of the hacking world, ethical hackers are often hired into “red teams” that conduct penetration tests that identify and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. 

Ethical hackers must follow agreed-upon guidelines, typically outlined in a legal contract, that describe the scope of their work, including the systems they are allowed to attack, the techniques they can use, and the time period for this work.

An exploit is a string of code, a chunk of data, or a sequence of commands that takes advantage of a bug or vulnerability. This causes unintended or unanticipated behavior in the targeted system, often to a threat actor’s advantage.

Cybersecurity measures must evolve continually to address new exploits as they are discovered. Patch management is a key defense strategy, as is the deployment of intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) that can recognize and block exploit attempts.

Exposure management and vulnerability management are two complementary aspects of risk management and an organization’s security posture. Vulnerability management is the process of identifying, categorizing, mitigating, and patching the weaknesses in systems and software, often known as Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs). Exposure management involves better understanding and reducing the risks of these vulnerabilities and digital security risks in general.

Extended Detection and Response (XDR) is an open cybersecurity architecture used for threat detection and incident response that automatically collects and correlates data from multiple security layers. By consolidating information about threats related to email, endpoints, servers, cloud workloads, and networks, IT and cybersecurity teams can improve detection, investigation, and response times.

This integrated approach to cybersecurity goes beyond the endpoints to offer holistic protection across the organization’s entire technology infrastructure.

File integrity monitoring (FIM) involves real-time monitoring and analysis of operating system (OS), database, and application software files to detect and alert on unauthorized changes that could indicate a cyber attack. 

FIM systems offer a form of change auditing. By comparing the latest versions of files against a trusted baseline, FIM helps detect potential security breaches, including those that may bypass traditional security measures. Depending on the industry, for instance the payment card industry, a FIM system may be required for regulatory compliance.

A firewall monitors, and sometimes blocks, incoming and outgoing network traffic. Organizations establish security rules that dictate whether a firewall will permit or deny specific traffic based on its source address, source port, destination address, and destination port. Firewalls have been a first line of defense in network security for over 25 years, establishing a barrier between a secured and controlled internal network and an untrusted external network, such as the internet.

Modern firewalls such as Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) are more sophisticated, offering additional functionality such as encrypted traffic inspection, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and the ability to identify and control applications.

A honeypot is used to lure attackers away from valuable system resources and to collect information about how they operate. This diversion can help strengthen an organization’s defenses against real attacks.

The honeypot can be a network-attached system, a decoy application, or data that simulates a target for attackers. These security mechanisms can detect, deflect, or counteract attempts at unauthorized use of information systems. 

Incident response (IR) is an organization’s approach to managing a data breach or cyber attack, including the way the organization attempts to handle the consequences of the attack or breach. Sophisticated incident response systems limit damage and reduce recovery time and costs.

An effective incident response will involve preparation, detection, containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident activities, such as analyzing the incident (a “post-mortem”) for lessons that can improve future response efforts.

An insider threat is a cybersecurity risk that originates, and is often acted on, within an organization. The insider threat can be an employee (a “malicious insider”), former employee, contractor, or business associate who has knowledge of the organization’s security practices, data, or computer systems.

Mitigation of insider threats should include thorough employee background checks, stringent requirements for contractors and subcontractors, implementation of least privilege access principles, and comprehensive monitoring of sensitive data and systems. 

Internet of Things (IoT) security is the technology area dedicated to protecting IoT devices and the networks to which they’re connected. These safeguards primarily focus on user privacy and data security. As the number and variety of connected devices continues to grow, so do the security risks associated with them.

IoT security requires a multilayered strategy, from the physical devices to the network, and all the way to the data and user interface. This approach includes robust encryption, regular software updates, network segmentation, and ongoing monitoring.

Malware, or malicious software, refers to any program or file that is harmful to a user and is installed without their knowledge and consent. Malware encompasses viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware.

Preventing malware infections requires regular updates of antivirus software, employee education on the risks of downloading and executing unknown software, and the implementation of network security measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS).

Malware detection involves identifying malware on a device or network using antivirus software, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and other cybersecurity tools. These tools use a variety of methods to detect malware, including signature-based, behavior-based, and heuristic-based techniques.

Continuous monitoring and regular system scans are critical for timely malware detection, which, in turn, is vital for maintaining the integrity and availability of IT systems.

Managed detection and response (MDR) combines continuous monitoring, advanced threat detection, and rapid incident response capabilities to protect organizations. This service detects, investigates, and helps mitigate cyber threats through a blend of technology and expert human analysis.

MDR services offer around-the-clock surveillance of an organization’s networks, endpoints, and systems. This continuous monitoring ensures that potential threats are promptly identified, significantly reducing the risk of undetected breaches. Unlike traditional security services that might alert organizations only of potential threats, MDR takes a proactive approach by employing advanced tools like endpoint detection, network analysis, and threat intelligence to actively search for and neutralize threats before they can cause harm.

MDR’s integrated approach combines sophisticated technology with the expertise of cybersecurity professionals. An MDR team is qualified to handle complex threat detection and response tasks that automated systems alone might overlook. Their nuanced analysis helps organizations understand the severity of threats and coordinate an appropriate response based on the unique needs of the organization.

In practice, MDR services enhance an organization’s security posture by including proactive threat hunting. This involves identifying potential security incidents that traditional automated systems might overlook. An MDR provider can tap into their extensive global data monitoring capabilities and synthesize billions of events to effectively predict and prevent cyber threats. The combination of large datasets, expert practitioners, and AI-driven analytics can preempt potential security issues​​.

MDR providers often assist with incident response planning and post-incident analysis. This comprehensive support can be crucial in rapidly changing security environments, where new threats can emerge suddenly and evolve quickly. Moving beyond passive defense systems to a dynamic, integrated, and proactive MDR approach keeps organizations one step ahead of cyber threats.

A managed security service provider (MSSP) is a specialized company that remotely monitors, manages, and enhances an organization’s security systems and cybersecurity posture on an ongoing basis. 

MSSPs provide a comprehensive suite of security services designed to protect organizations from cybersecurity threats and incidents. These services aid organizations that lack the internal resources to fully develop their security infrastructure, allowing clients to focus on core business functions without sacrificing cybersecurity. Some MSSPs also offer managed detection and response (MDR) services.

MSSPs operate security operations centers (SOCs) that are equipped with advanced technologies and staffed by cybersecurity experts. These centers monitor client networks 24/7, ensuring constant vigilance over potential security breaches. In the event of a security incident, MSSPs provide immediate incident response services across different time zones and geographies to contain the threat, manage the recovery process, and conduct post-incident analyses to prevent future breaches. 

Partnering with an MSSP allows an organization to capitalize on regular risk assessments, development of custom security policies, and training programs for staff on security best practices without straining internal resources. MSSP clients enhance the resilience of their operations while receiving expert support and continuous security management. As MSSPs provide emerging security technologies and innovations, clients can use state-of-the-art defenses without major capital investments.

Managed security services (MSS) are comprehensive cybersecurity services offered by third-party organizations to monitor, manage, and enhance the security posture of an organization’s IT infrastructure. These services are designed to protect businesses from a wide range of cybersecurity threats with continuous monitoring of client assets using advanced tools such as internal and external vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and network mapping. 

MSS will often include:

• Managing firewalls to block potentially harmful traffic from an organization’s network.
• Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to monitor for signs of data breaches.
• Virtual private networks (VPNs) to secure remote access.
• Regular vulnerability scans to identify weaknesses.
• Advanced antivirus solutions to defend against malware.
• Expert consulting to navigate cybersecurity compliance requirements and best practices.
  

One of the key benefits of using MSS is the cost efficiency compared to building these capabilities in-house or sourcing services across multiple cybersecurity vendors. As MSS providers spread these costs across a broader client base, they offer a more affordable solution for maintaining advanced security measures​​. Outsourcing MSS ensures cybersecurity practices scale as an organization grows and threats evolve. 

As threat actors are often located in different geographies — and nation-states continually target enterprise organizations — an MSS that incorporates a global perspective into emerging threats will enable faster response to new vulnerabilities.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security system that requires more than one method of authentication to verify the user’s identity for a login or other transaction. Two-factor authentication (2FA), arguably the most common form of MFA, typically involves texting or emailing a one-time numeric code to the user after they have entered their password. 

The goal of MFA is to create a layered defense and make it more difficult for an unauthorized person to access a target such as a computer, mobile device, application, network, or database. If one factor is compromised or broken, the attacker still has at least one more barrier to breach before successfully breaking into the target.

Network security involves measures to protect a computer network and its data from unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or denial of service. This security practice ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information within a network, defending it from cyber attacks and unauthorized access.

At its core, network security includes the deployment of both hardware and software solutions to create a secure environment for network traffic. Firewalls, for example, act as barriers that enforce security rules to control incoming and outgoing traffic, preventing unauthorized access​​. Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) will monitor for suspicious activities that potentially signal a breach, while antivirus software helps protect against malicious software that could compromise network data. Many centralized network security hubs offer a range of compliance and security measures to protect digital assets and maintain robust network defenses​.

Virtual private networks (VPNs) encrypt data transmission, an essential network security safeguard for remote workers accessing the network from less secure external locations. To further enhance network security, solutions such as threat detection and response systems integrate multiple security features into a single platform, simplifying security management and improving threat response capabilities.

Network segmentation and access control are also critical for managing internal risks. By segmenting networks, companies can isolate and contain data breaches, minimizing the spread and impact of these attacks. Network access control (NAC) systems ensure that only authorized users and compliant devices can access network resources, which helps prevent potential breaches from internal sources such as malicious insiders.

By integrating advanced network security technologies and practices — and employing continuous monitoring and regular updates — businesses can establish a dynamic defense capable of adapting to the evolving threat landscape.

Network security monitoring refers to the continuous observation of a computer network in order to detect and respond to unauthorized activity or signs of malicious intent. This helps prevent potential security breaches by proactively identifying and addressing threats before they can cause significant damage or compromise data integrity.

Incorporating network security monitoring into an organization’s cybersecurity strategy is not only about defending against immediate threats but also about ensuring long-term compliance with various regulatory requirements. Continuous monitoring supports compliance by providing detailed insights into network activity and maintaining stringent controls over data security.

Modern network security monitoring approaches integrate advanced threat detection and response capabilities with real-time visibility and event-based alerts, enabling organizations to monitor, assess, and respond to cyber threats swiftly and effectively. By combining continuous monitoring with large datasets of cybersecurity events, network monitoring solutions can anticipate and mitigate risks before they materialize, enhancing overall network security.

These comprehensive monitoring tools are part of a broader suite of security measures that include intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), firewalls, and endpoint security solutions. Integrating these tools offers the best insight into a wide range of cyber threats, from external attacks to internal vulnerabilities​​.

The PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of security requirements for all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit payment card information. The goal of the PCI DSS and other PCI security standards is to help entities maintain secure payment environments for sharing sensitive financial data. Established by the PCI Security Standards Council — which includes major credit card brands like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express — PCI compliance standards are designed to safeguard sensitive cardholder data from theft and fraud​​.

The PCI DSS provides a framework for securing cardholder data that includes a combination of technical and operational requirements, whether for enterprise organizations or small businesses that accept credit cards. It applies to all entities involved in payment card processing, including merchants, processors, acquirers, independent sales organizations (ISOs), issuers, and service providers. Compliance is mandatory for all parties, and it is assessed annually either by an external qualified security assessor (QSA) or through a self-assessment questionnaire for smaller businesses​​. Compliance requirements vary based on merchant levels, typically defined by the volume of credit card transactions that occur annually.

Key components of PCI DSS compliance include maintaining a secure network, protecting cardholder data, and implementing strong access control measures. Organizations must also regularly monitor and test their networks, maintain an information security policy, and ensure that their security measures evolve with changes in technology and tactics used by cybercriminals​​. 

PCI DSS compliance services simplify the compliance management process through real-time visibility and streamlined task management, helping organizations stay ahead of threats and minimize risks. Ideally, a compliance vendor will combine a staff of highly experienced QSAs with advanced security testing and cybersecurity technologies to ensure organizations meet all PCI DSS requirements efficiently​.

For small businesses, PCI DSS compliance solutions should include guided self-assessments and ASV-certified vulnerability scanning, making it easier to achieve compliance without extensive cybersecurity expertise or resources. This approach helps small businesses protect their customers’ data and secure their operations against cyber threats at an affordable cost​​.

As the threat landscape evolves, PCI DSS compliance helps organizations avoid severe penalties, such as fines or even the loss of the ability to process payment card transactions, which can result from ongoing noncompliance​.

Penetration testing, also known as pen testing or ethical hacking, is a proactive and manual security assessment method that simulates real-world attacks on systems, networks, or applications to identify vulnerabilities exploitable by malicious hackers. This approach is designed to uncover weaknesses in an organization’s IT infrastructure before they can be exploited. This enhances security posture and resilience while helping ensure compliance with industry standards like the PCI DSS and HIPAA​​.

The process of penetration testing involves several key stages, starting with planning and reconnaissance to gather information about the target. Testers then attempt to breach systems by exploiting known vulnerabilities, breaking encryption, and injecting malicious code. This activity is followed by efforts to maintain access, mimicking the persistence of real-world attackers. 

The findings from these tests are then compiled into detailed reports that provide insights into the security flaws discovered, the potential data that could be accessed by an attacker, and the time required to breach the systems. Recommendations for remediation are also typically included to help organizations address the vulnerabilities​​.

Many organizations partner with cybersecurity firms that offer a range of penetration testing services, including network, application, and product testing. These can be tailored to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities across various IT environments. Reputable pen testers use a proprietary testing framework that integrates their extensive cyber threat intelligence capabilities. This comprehensive approach not only helps in identifying security weaknesses but also supports ongoing compliance and enhances the overall cybersecurity posture of the organization​​.

Regular penetration testing is recommended as part of a holistic security strategy, especially given the evolving nature of cyber threats. Organizations engaged in regular testing can adapt more effectively to new security challenges and maintain robust defenses against potential breaches​.

Phishing is a form of social engineering that attempts to steal user data, including login credentials and credit card numbers, through fraudulent emails, text messages, voice calls, and similar communication methods. It remains one of the most common forms of cyber attack, and social engineers continually craft more sophisticated phishing campaigns to fool unsuspecting individuals.

Phishing attacks typically attempt to persuade the recipient to carry out specific actions, such as clicking on a malicious link, opening an attachment, or volunteering personal information. This can lead to the installation of malware, the freezing of the system as part of a ransomware attack, or the revealing of sensitive information.

Employee education and awareness programs are one of the most effective tools to combat phishing attempts. Organizations should also implement strong email filters and verification technologies that can detect and block phishing attempts before they reach their intended targets.

Ransomware is a type of malware (malicious software) that threatens to publish the victim’s data, or perpetually block access to it, unless a ransom is paid. The ransomware encrypts the victim’s data, rendering it inaccessible, and demands a ransom be paid before a decryption key is provided. The theft of critical data and cost of an extended business interruption can cause significant damage to victim organizations.

Organizations can mitigate ransomware risks by implementing rigorous backup and recovery processes and conducting employee education about the dangers of clicking on unknown links or opening suspicious email attachments. Advanced endpoint protection and real-time monitoring can also reduce the risk of a ransomware infection.

Security information and event management (SIEM) provides real-time analysis of security alerts generated by network hardware and software applications. This comprehensive solution is essential for consolidating and analyzing vast amounts of security data from various sources across an organization’s network — such as servers, applications, and firewalls — to provide a centralized view of security threats and events​​.

The primary goal of SIEM is to enhance an organization’s security posture by offering real-time security monitoring and event management. SIEM enables early detection of threats and swift incident response by aggregating and correlating log data across systems. This helps identify abnormal activities that may signify potential security threats, facilitating rapid response and mitigation efforts to prevent data breaches or other security incidents​​.

SIEM systems are particularly beneficial for ensuring compliance with various regulatory standards. By automating the collection and analysis of security data, SIEM helps organizations meet compliance requirements that mandate continuous monitoring and reporting. This capability is crucial for adhering to standards such as the PCI DSS and HIPAA, which require detailed audit trails and proof of proactive security measures​​.

Managed security services (MSS) can enhance SIEM functionality by integrating robust firewalls and indoor wireless access points with real-time monitoring, correlation, and analysis of security events. Such platforms allow organizations to efficiently triage all potential security risks while continuously updating security measures in response to evolving threats​​.

Session hijacking involves a threat actor taking over a valid user session after successfully obtaining or generating an authentication session token. This type of attack exploits the web session control mechanism, which is normally managed for a session token. Because session tokens are often stored in cookies, they are susceptible to an attacker using techniques such as IP spoofing, cross-site scripting, and packet sniffing. 

A successful session hijack provides the threat actor with unauthorized access to information or services that are typically restricted, often leading to a data breach and exfiltration of sensitive information.

To protect against session hijacking, organizations should use secure, encrypted connections (https), regularly change session token settings, and implement strict security measures on cookies, such as the HttpOnly and Secure attributes. Educating users on secure browsing habits and implementing robust network security protocols are also recommended.

Smishing (SMS phishing) is similar to traditional phishing but involves sending fraudulent text messages instead of, or in addition to, emails. Smishing texts attempt to deceive the recipient into revealing personal information or downloading malware. These messages often impersonate reputable sources, such as employers, executives, banks, or government agencies, to lure victims into providing sensitive data.

Combating smishing requires employee education to recognize and report suspicious messages. Implementing technical solutions to block spam messages and using number verification systems can also help reduce the incidence of smishing attacks.

Spyware is a form of malware that attempts to collect data about a person or organization without their knowledge. Stolen data is often relayed to another entity without the victim’s consent. Spyware can collect everything from personal passwords to credit card details, often leading to identity theft and financial loss.

Effectively protecting against spyware should include anti-spyware tools, regularly installing patches to address vulnerabilities, and employee education about safe browsing practices and the importance of not downloading software from unreliable sources.

Threat hunting is a proactive security exercise that seeks to find malicious actors who have breached the organization’s defenses before they cause harm. This approach involves hypothesizing what potential security threats an attacker may seek to exploit and actively searching through networks and datasets to detect and isolate advanced threats that evade existing security solutions.

Organizations that engage in threat hunting benefit from reduced incident response times and enhanced organizational security posture. This requires a skilled team of cybersecurity experts who understand the organization’s IT environment intimately and use sophisticated tools to analyze and interpret data from various sources.

A Threat Intelligence Platform (TIP) is a centralized tool or system that aggregates, organizes, analyzes, and shares threat information to help organizations detect, understand, and respond to cybersecurity threats effectively. This platform collects and consolidates data from various sources, such as existing security tools, logs, threat feeds, open-source intelligence, dark web monitoring, and industry reports, organizing this information into a standardized format for advanced analysis​.

The overarching purpose of a TIP is to provide a comprehensive view of an organization’s security posture by correlating data from multiple sources. A reputable TIP uses advanced analytics and machine learning to detect patterns and correlations that may indicate potential security threats. This includes indicators of compromise (IOCs), which are pieces of forensic data, such as system log entries or files, that identify potentially malicious activity on a system or network.  

TIPs detail the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by threat actors. This helps the organization proactively respond to threats before those threats can cause significant damage. This improves the organization’s overall security readiness and response capabilities​​. Detailed threat intelligence is crucial for developing targeted defensive strategies that address specific vulnerabilities and attack vectors.

By automating the collection and analysis of threat data, TIPs reduce the workload on security analysts, freeing them to focus on strategic analysis and response rather than on the manual gathering of intelligence. This automation increases the speed of response to threats and reduces human errors that can occur in high-stress, high-stakes environments.

The detailed documentation and reports provided by TIPs can help demonstrate compliance with cybersecurity regulations, showing that the organization is not only aware of potential threats but also actively managing them.

A Trojan horse, also referred to as simply a Trojan, is a form of malware that presents itself as legitimate software but contains malicious code. Trojans are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim’s computer and grant access to threat actors.

Unlike viruses, Trojans don’t replicate themselves, but they can be just as damaging. One of the most insidious types of Trojan is a backdoor, which allows attackers to remotely control the affected computer.

To defend against Trojan Horse attacks, organizations should use reliable and regularly updated antivirus software, educate employees to avoid downloading unknown or unsolicited programs, and maintain robust firewalls and security protocols.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) enhances authentication security by requiring two distinct forms of identification before access is granted. A form of multi-factor authentication (MFA), 2FA typically requires a password and then generates a one-time numeric code that the user can access via text message, email, or an authenticator app.

Implementing 2FA can greatly reduce the risk of unauthorized access resulting from compromised passwords. It should be considered a mandatory practice in securing sensitive data and systems.

A vulnerability assessment is a systematic review of an organization’s IT infrastructure and systems to identify potential security weaknesses and vulnerabilities. This proactive process is crucial for identifying security risks before they can be exploited by attackers, helping to safeguard sensitive data and maintain operational integrity.

Vulnerability assessments begin by cataloging an organization’s assets and scanning them with automated tools for detecting known vulnerabilities, such as those listed in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database. These tools assess the security of systems and networks by identifying insecure configurations, missing patches, and other security weaknesses​.

The vulnerabilities identified are then prioritized based on factors like exploitability and potential impact, helping organizations focus their remediation efforts. In addition to identifying and prioritizing vulnerabilities, these assessments play a vital role in regulatory compliance. Many industries require regular vulnerability assessments as part of their compliance mandates to prevent data breaches and ensure the protection of sensitive information.

Comprehensive vulnerability scanning services should integrate advanced intelligence and scanning technologies to provide deep insights into security weaknesses. Services should include both external and internal scans to identify vulnerabilities from both outsider and insider threat perspectives. Predictive intelligence and real-time data ensure organizations stay ahead of potential threats by providing proactive security measures and compliance support​​.

Vulnerability management is a systematic practice that involves identifying, classifying, prioritizing, remediating, and mitigating security weaknesses and vulnerabilities within computer systems and software. This ongoing process is essential for maintaining the security and integrity of IT systems, helping organizations proactively address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by attackers.

The process starts with automated vulnerability scanning tools that detect security weaknesses by comparing system details against databases like the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) list. These vulnerabilities are then classified based on their severity and potential impact, which helps prioritize which issues to address first. 

Remediation typically includes applying patches, adjusting configurations, or replacing systems that are too vulnerable to secure. When immediate remediation isn’t feasible, mitigation strategies may be implemented to reduce the risk of exploitation. This could involve additional monitoring or enhanced access controls to protect sensitive areas of the network until a permanent fix can be applied​​.

Vulnerability management is a strategic component of broader IT security practices. It requires integration with the organization’s overall security operations, utilizing real-time data collection and analysis to adapt to new threats continually. Tools that automate parts of this process, like the scanning and classification of vulnerabilities, can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of vulnerability management efforts​. These services also ensure that the organization’s defenses are current with the latest compliance requirements​.

Vulnerability scanning is a proactive security test that uses automated tools to search for known vulnerabilities within computer systems, networks, and applications. This process is essential for identifying, assessing, and prioritizing security vulnerabilities, helping organizations address these weaknesses before they can be exploited by attackers​​.

Vulnerability scanning requires specialized software that examines systems and applications against a database of known issues, such as those cataloged in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database. The process begins with the automated scanning of systems to detect vulnerabilities. The vulnerabilities identified are then analyzed and prioritized based on the likelihood and severity of the potential impact they could have on the organization. This prioritization is crucial. It not only guides the remediation efforts but also focuses the organization on the most significant threats first to mitigate risks efficiently​​.

Comprehensive vulnerability scanning services are integral for maintaining compliance with industry standards such as the PCI DSS and HIPAA. These services include both external and internal scans, helping to identify vulnerabilities from both outsider and insider perspectives. Services with advanced scanning technologies and predictive intelligence enhance the effectiveness of vulnerability management, ensuring that organizations can swiftly respond to and mitigate identified risks​​.

Regular vulnerability scanning is essential for detecting emerging threats and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, which often mandate regular assessments to protect sensitive data. Integrating vulnerability scanning into a broader security strategy helps organizations maintain a robust defense against the evolving landscape of cyber threats​.

Zero trust security is a security model that requires all users, apps, services, and devices — whether inside or outside the organization’s network — to be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated. Essentially, a zero-trust security framework insists that zero entities are trusted by default. 

Implementing zero trust security requires a comprehensive evaluation of every access request, continual assessment of session risk, and strict enforcement of access policies. This model leverages advanced security technologies, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), robust identity and access management, micro-segmentation, and least privilege access control.

Zero-day exploits are cyber attacks that occur before a weakness is discovered in software. Because there is no existing defense in place, zero-day exploits are extremely dangerous and effective against targeted systems.

The best defense against zero-day exploits involves a robust security infrastructure, quick incident response capabilities, and the use of advanced threat detection technologies that can spot unusual behavior and potential vulnerabilities in software before they can be exploited.