Security glossary
The security industry loves abbreviations and jargon. Here are the terms you actually need, explained briefly and without scare tactics.
14 terms
BadUSB
A USB stick that pretends to be a keyboard and types commands on your machine within seconds.
Read the definition →Burp Suite
The tool most pentesters use against web applications: it lets you see and modify all traffic between the browser and the server.
Read the definition →CEO fraud
Fraud where someone impersonates your boss and pressures you into paying an invoice or transferring money.
Read the definition →Ethical hacker
A security professional who attacks systems with the owner’s permission, to find the holes before criminals do.
Read the definition →Ethical hacking
Breaking into computer systems with the owner’s permission, to find and report security holes before criminals exploit them.
Read the definition →Kali Linux
A Linux operating system built for security testing, with hundreds of hacking tools preinstalled.
Read the definition →Metasploit
A framework of ready-made exploits, used to test whether known vulnerabilities can actually be exploited.
Read the definition →Nmap
The network scanner that maps which machines and services exist on a network. Often the first step of a pentest.
Read the definition →Password manager
A program that creates and remembers unique, strong passwords for you, so you only need to remember one.
Read the definition →Pentest (penetration test)
A controlled, authorized attack on your own systems to uncover vulnerabilities, documented in a report.
Read the definition →Phishing
Fake emails, texts or websites that trick you into giving up passwords, card numbers or access.
Read the definition →Ransomware
Malware that encrypts your files and demands payment to unlock them. Hits companies hardest.
Read the definition →Social engineering
Attacks that exploit people instead of technology: trust, stress, helpfulness and authority.
Read the definition →Two-factor authentication (2FA)
An extra step at login, a code or approval in addition to your password. Stops most account takeovers.
Read the definition →
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