Just as with any technology-based industry, there can be a lot of jargon when it comes to cyber security.
The good news is that if you’re partnered up with a cyber security consultancy that’s worth their salt, you won’t have to learn the lingo. You’ll be in the safe hands of experienced, jargon-proficient experts, who always keep one step ahead of cybercriminals and industry innovation.
But it can pay dividends when you take the time to learn the key terms. So, with that in mind, we’ve come up with a list of five major terms that you should know when it comes to cyber security.
Five Major Cyber Security Terms:
VPN
VPNs are a big deal in the world of cyber security – hence the acronym’s inclusion on our list. Short for ‘Virtual Private Network’, VPNs are digital tools that organisations and individuals use to mask their IP address and encrypt any data that goes through their network. In technical terms, they are private and encrypted ‘tunnels’, through which your internet traffic goes before it continues on to its destination. The traffic is encrypted, the IP address hidden and your data stays safe, even when you’re on public Wi-Fi.
Blockchain
A major trend in the digital world, blockchains are databases, shared between computer networks. They store digital information and are valued for protecting the security of recorded, so that it can’t be tampered. What that has to do with cyber security is that in the coming years, many cyber-criminals look to use blockchain to their advantage, hiding any traces of their malicious activity and avoid detection. It’s up to cyber security professionals to find ways to ensure that any threats held on the blockchain are carefully managed and mitigated.
Ransomware
One of the big nasties when it comes to malware. Ransomware is particularly problematic for businesses, locking down crucial information and causing disruption and potentially disastrous data loss. Ransomware encrypts files on your computer and demands a ransom or a sum to be paid, often in cryptocurrency, before the files are unlocked. Sometimes the data is deleted after a countdown if the money isn’t paid. Fortunately, ransomware can be countered by robust cyber security measures that prevent the malware from taking hold.
GDPR
While not specifically a cyber security phrase in itself, GDPR is nevertheless an important term that will come up time and time again in online safety discussions. Standing for ‘General Data Protection Regulation’, GDPR is a regulation introduced in the European Economic Area back in 2016. The legislation requires all organisations that handle personal data to implement measures to keep that data safe and private. Also, any business that falls short can face heavy fines, particularly in the case of a breach. That means that businesses need to ensure their cyber defences are strong enough to protect any and all data that passes through the organisation – which they can do with the right support.
Cloud computing
Cloud-based computing has been around a while, but recent years – particularly in the wake of the pandemic – has seen us adopt it more and more, so it’s an important term to remember. Cloud computing is where you access tech services on a pay-as-you go basis from cloud providers who own data centres. This means you don’t need the infrastructure to run major tech operations within your business. This model provides a wealth of benefits for growing businesses; reducing their IT overheads, protecting them from data loss and improving workplace collaboration. Therefore, with the help of the professionals, migrating to a cloud is easier than ever before.
If you’re having a tough time understanding the ins and outs of cyber security, let us help! From our certification and compliance services through to our cyber security consultancy, CSP has the experience and expertise to keep your organisation protected.
Find out more on our website.