CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Acronym List

Every acronym you can be tested on for Security+ SY0-701, grouped by exam domain. Skim the full list here, then use the interactive finder to drill the ones you keep forgetting.

250 acronyms|17 domains

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Application Security (16)

APIApplication Programming Interface: Set of protocols and tools enabling software applications to communicate with each other.
ASLRAddress Space Layout Randomization: OS security technique that randomizes memory addresses used by processes to prevent buffer overflow exploits.
CAPTCHACompletely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart: Challenge-response test used to determine whether a user is human, preventing automated bot abuse.
CMSContent Management System: Software platform for creating and managing digital content, often web-based.
CSRFCross-Site Request Forgery: Web attack that forces an authenticated user to submit unintended requests to a trusted application.
DEPData Execution Prevention: Hardware/OS security feature preventing code execution from memory regions marked as non-executable.
DLLDynamic Link Library: Shared library file in Windows containing code and data that can be loaded by multiple programs simultaneously.
ERPEnterprise Resource Planning: Integrated software system managing core business processes like finance, HR, and supply chain.
HTMLHypertext Markup Language: Standard markup language for creating and structuring content on web pages.
JSONJavaScript Object Notation: Lightweight data interchange format that is human-readable and easy for machines to parse and generate.
OWASPOpen Web Application Security Project: Nonprofit organization producing tools, guides, and the Top 10 list for web application security.
SQLStructured Query Language: Standard language for managing and querying relational databases; SQL injection is a top web vulnerability.
URIUniform Resource Identifier: String identifying a resource by name, location, or both, encompassing both URLs and URNs.
URLUniform Resource Locator: Web address specifying the protocol, host, and path to locate a resource on the internet.
XMLExtensible Markup Language: Markup language defining rules for encoding documents in a human-readable and machine-readable format.
XSSCross-Site Scripting: Web vulnerability where attackers inject malicious scripts into trusted websites viewed by other users.

Cryptography (41)

AESAdvanced Encryption Standard: Symmetric block cipher using 128, 192, or 256-bit keys; the current standard for encrypting data at rest and in transit.
AHAuthentication Header: IPSec protocol providing data integrity and origin authentication but not encryption.
CACertificate Authority: Trusted entity that issues, manages, and revokes digital certificates within a PKI hierarchy.
CCMPCounter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol: AES-based encryption protocol used in WPA2 to provide confidentiality, integrity, and authentication for wireless frames.
CRLCertificate Revocation List: Published list of serial numbers for certificates that a CA has revoked before their expiration date.
CSRCertificate Signing Request: Encoded message sent to a CA containing the public key and identity information to request a digital certificate.
DESData Encryption Standard: Legacy symmetric cipher using a 56-bit key, now considered insecure and replaced by AES.
DHEDiffie-Hellman Ephemeral: Key exchange variant that generates a new key pair per session, providing perfect forward secrecy.
DSADigital Signature Algorithm: Federal standard for digital signatures providing authentication and non-repudiation.
ECCElliptic Curve Cryptography: Public-key cryptography based on elliptic curve mathematics, providing strong security with smaller key sizes.
ESPEncapsulating Security Payload: IPSec protocol providing confidentiality, data integrity, and authentication for IP packets.
GCMGalois/Counter Mode: Authenticated encryption mode providing both confidentiality and data integrity at high speed.
GPGGNU Privacy Guard: Open-source implementation of the OpenPGP standard for encrypting and signing data and communications.
HMACHash-based Message Authentication Code: Mechanism combining a cryptographic hash with a secret key to verify both integrity and authenticity of a message.
HSMHardware Security Module: Tamper-resistant hardware device that manages, generates, and stores cryptographic keys securely.
IKEInternet Key Exchange: Protocol used to negotiate and establish security associations and keys for IPSec VPN tunnels.
IPSecInternet Protocol Security: Suite of protocols that authenticates and encrypts IP packets, commonly used for VPN tunnels.
IVInitialization Vector: Random or pseudo-random value prepended to plaintext before encryption to ensure unique ciphertext output.
KEKKey Encryption Key: Cryptographic key used to protect other keys during transport or storage.
OCSPOnline Certificate Status Protocol: Protocol for real-time checking of a digital certificate's revocation status against the CA.
PBKDF2Password-Based Key Derivation Function 2: Key derivation function applying a pseudorandom function with many iterations to slow brute-force attacks.
PEMPrivacy Enhanced Mail: Base64-encoded file format for storing certificates and cryptographic keys, recognizable by BEGIN/END headers.
PFSPerfect Forward Secrecy: Cryptographic property ensuring session keys are not compromised if the long-term private key is leaked.
PGPPretty Good Privacy: Encryption program providing cryptographic privacy and authentication for email and file encryption.
PKIPublic Key Infrastructure: Framework of roles, policies, and technology for creating, managing, and revoking digital certificates.
PSKPre-Shared Key: Shared secret distributed in advance between parties for authenticating a connection, commonly used in Wi-Fi and VPNs.
RARegistration Authority: Entity in a PKI that verifies certificate applicant identities before the CA issues a certificate.
RACEResearch and Development in Advanced Communications Technologies in Europe: European R&D program in advanced communications that contributed to the RIPEMD hash function family.
RSARivest, Shamir, Adleman: Asymmetric encryption algorithm based on the difficulty of factoring large prime numbers, widely used for digital signatures and key exchange.
SANSubject Alternative Name: X.509 certificate extension listing additional hostnames or IPs that the certificate is valid for.
SCEPSimple Certificate Enrollment Protocol: Protocol for simplified certificate issuance and management, commonly used for device enrollment.
SHASecure Hash Algorithm: Family of cryptographic hash functions (SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-3) producing fixed-size digests for integrity verification.
SSLSecure Sockets Layer: Deprecated cryptographic protocol for securing communications; superseded by TLS.
TKIPTemporal Key Integrity Protocol: Encryption protocol used in WPA that wraps WEP with per-packet key mixing; now deprecated in favor of CCMP.
TLSTransport Layer Security: Cryptographic protocol providing encrypted, authenticated communication channels; successor to SSL.
WEPWired Equivalent Privacy: Obsolete wireless encryption standard with severe cryptographic weaknesses; should never be used.
WPAWi-Fi Protected Access: Wireless security protocol using TKIP encryption, an interim improvement over WEP before WPA2.
WPA2Wi-Fi Protected Access 2: Wireless security standard using AES-CCMP encryption, mandatory for Wi-Fi certification since 2006.
WPA3Wi-Fi Protected Access 3: Latest wireless security standard with SAE handshake, 192-bit enterprise mode, and forward secrecy.
WTLSWireless Transport Layer Security: Security protocol designed for wireless networks, based on TLS but optimized for low-bandwidth environments.
X.509X.509 Certificate Standard: ITU-T standard defining the format of public key certificates used in TLS, email signing, and code signing.

Data Protection (3)

EFSEncrypting File System: Windows feature that provides file-level encryption on NTFS volumes using certificate-based keys.
FDEFull Disk Encryption: Encryption of an entire storage device so all data is protected at rest, including the OS and temp files.
RAIDRedundant Array of Independent Disks: Storage technology combining multiple drives for redundancy, performance, or both using levels like 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10.

General Security Concepts (1)

CIAConfidentiality, Integrity, and Availability: The three core principles of information security that guide security policy and controls.

Hardware (2)

UEFIUnified Extensible Firmware Interface: Modern firmware interface replacing BIOS, supporting Secure Boot, larger disks, and faster initialization.
USBUniversal Serial Bus: Standard interface for connecting peripherals, providing data transfer and power delivery.

Identity and Access Management (29)

AAAAuthentication, Authorization, and Accounting: Security framework that controls who can access resources, what they can do, and tracks their activity.
ABACAttribute-Based Access Control: Access control model evaluating attributes (user, resource, environment) to make authorization decisions.
ADActive Directory: Microsoft directory service for managing users, computers, and resources in a Windows domain environment.
CHAPChallenge Handshake Authentication Protocol: Authentication protocol using a three-way handshake with a shared secret, periodically re-verifying identity.
DACDiscretionary Access Control: Access control model where the resource owner determines who can access the resource.
EAPExtensible Authentication Protocol: Framework providing multiple authentication methods for wireless and point-to-point connections.
FACLFile System Access Control List: OS-level list specifying permissions granted to users and groups for file system objects.
GPOGroup Policy Object: Active Directory mechanism for centrally managing and configuring settings for users and computers in a domain.
HOTPHMAC-based One-Time Password: OTP algorithm generating passwords based on a counter value and shared secret.
IAMIdentity and Access Management: Framework of policies and technologies ensuring the right individuals access the right resources at the right time.
KDCKey Distribution Center: Central component in Kerberos that issues tickets for authenticated access to network services.
LDAPLightweight Directory Access Protocol: Protocol for accessing and managing distributed directory services over TCP port 389.
LDAPSLightweight Directory Access Protocol Secure: LDAP encrypted with TLS over port 636, securing directory queries and authentication.
MACMandatory Access Control: Access control model where the OS enforces access based on classification labels assigned to subjects and objects.
MFAMulti-Factor Authentication: Authentication requiring two or more verification factors from different categories: something you know, have, or are.
NTLMNT LAN Manager: Legacy Windows authentication protocol using challenge-response; considered less secure than Kerberos.
OAUTHOpen Authorization: Open standard for token-based authorization allowing third-party services limited access without sharing credentials.
OIDCOpenID Connect: Identity layer on top of OAuth 2.0 that provides authentication and user identity verification.
PAMPrivileged Access Management: Security framework for controlling, monitoring, and auditing all privileged access to critical resources.
PAPPassword Authentication Protocol: Simple authentication protocol transmitting credentials in cleartext; insecure and largely deprecated.
PEAPProtected Extensible Authentication Protocol: EAP variant that creates an encrypted TLS tunnel for secure authentication, commonly used in enterprise Wi-Fi.
RADIUSRemote Authentication Dial-In User Service: AAA protocol providing centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting for network access.
RBACRole-Based Access Control: Access control model assigning permissions to roles rather than individuals, simplifying administration.
SAMLSecurity Assertion Markup Language: XML-based framework for exchanging authentication and authorization data between an IdP and a service provider.
SCIMSystem for Cross-domain Identity Management: Open standard for automating the exchange of user identity information between identity domains.
SSOSingle Sign-On: Authentication scheme allowing users to log in once and access multiple applications without re-authenticating.
TACACS+Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus: Cisco AAA protocol using TCP port 49, encrypting the full authentication session for network device administration.
TGTTicket-Granting Ticket: Kerberos credential obtained after initial authentication, used to request service tickets without re-entering credentials.
TOTPTime-based One-Time Password: OTP algorithm generating short-lived codes based on the current time and a shared secret.

Network Infrastructure (1)

SDNSoftware-Defined Networking: Architecture separating the control plane from the data plane, enabling centralized and programmable network management.

Network Security (14)

ACLAccess Control List: A set of rules that filters network traffic or defines permissions for accessing system resources.
DKIMDomainKeys Identified Mail: Email authentication method using digital signatures to verify the sender domain and message integrity.
DMARCDomain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance: Email authentication policy that builds on SPF and DKIM to prevent domain spoofing and phishing.
DMZDemilitarized Zone: Network segment between the internal network and the internet, hosting public-facing services while protecting internal resources.
DNSSECDomain Name System Security Extensions: Suite of extensions that adds cryptographic authentication to DNS responses to prevent spoofing.
NACNetwork Access Control: Security solution that enforces policy compliance on devices before granting network access.
NGFWNext-Generation Firewall: Advanced firewall combining traditional filtering with application awareness, IPS, and threat intelligence.
RASRemote Access Server: Server enabling remote users to connect to a network over dial-up or VPN connections.
SPFSender Policy Framework: Email authentication DNS record specifying which mail servers are authorized to send email for a domain.
SWGSecure Web Gateway: Security solution filtering unwanted software and malware from web traffic and enforcing internet policy.
UTMUnified Threat Management: All-in-one security appliance combining firewall, IDS/IPS, antivirus, content filtering, and VPN in a single device.
VLANVirtual Local Area Network: Logical network segmentation at Layer 2, isolating broadcast domains on a switch without separate physical networks.
VPNVirtual Private Network: Encrypted tunnel over a public network providing secure remote access or site-to-site connectivity.
WAFWeb Application Firewall: Security device filtering and monitoring HTTP traffic to protect web applications from attacks like XSS and SQL injection.

Network Services (1)

UPnPUniversal Plug and Play: Protocol suite enabling devices to discover each other and establish network services automatically, posing security risks.

Networking (31)

ARPAddress Resolution Protocol: Layer 2 protocol that maps an IP address to a MAC address on a local network segment.
BGPBorder Gateway Protocol: Path-vector exterior gateway protocol used to exchange routing information between autonomous systems on the internet.
DHCPDynamic Host Configuration Protocol: Protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and network configuration to devices on a network.
DNSDomain Name System: Hierarchical naming system that translates human-readable domain names to IP addresses.
FTPFile Transfer Protocol: Protocol for transferring files over TCP using port 21 for control and port 20 for data, transmitting in cleartext.
FTPSFile Transfer Protocol Secure: FTP with added TLS/SSL encryption for secure file transfers.
GREGeneric Routing Encapsulation: Tunneling protocol that encapsulates various network layer protocols inside point-to-point connections.
HTTPHypertext Transfer Protocol: Application layer protocol for transmitting web content over TCP port 80, without encryption.
HTTPSHypertext Transfer Protocol Secure: HTTP encrypted with TLS over TCP port 443, providing confidentiality and integrity for web traffic.
ICMPInternet Control Message Protocol: Network protocol used for diagnostic and error-reporting purposes, including ping and traceroute.
IMAPInternet Message Access Protocol: Email retrieval protocol on port 143 that syncs messages on the server, allowing multi-device access.
IPInternet Protocol: Layer 3 protocol responsible for addressing and routing packets between hosts across networks.
L2TPLayer 2 Tunneling Protocol: VPN tunneling protocol that encapsulates PPP frames; typically paired with IPSec for encryption.
MPLSMultiprotocol Label Switching: High-performance routing technique that directs data using labels rather than complex routing lookups.
NATNetwork Address Translation: Technique that maps private IP addresses to a public IP address for internet communication.
NTPNetwork Time Protocol: Protocol synchronizing clocks across network devices using UDP port 123, critical for log correlation.
PATPort Address Translation: NAT variant that maps multiple private IP addresses to a single public IP using different port numbers.
POP3Post Office Protocol v3: Email retrieval protocol on port 110 that downloads messages and typically removes them from the server.
RDPRemote Desktop Protocol: Microsoft protocol on port 3389 providing graphical remote access to Windows systems.
SCPSecure Copy Protocol: File transfer protocol using SSH encryption to securely copy files between hosts.
SFTPSSH File Transfer Protocol: Secure file transfer protocol running over SSH, providing encryption and authentication on port 22.
SHTTPSecure Hypertext Transfer Protocol: Deprecated protocol for encrypting individual HTTP messages at the application layer.
SMTPSimple Mail Transfer Protocol: Protocol for sending email messages between servers on TCP port 25, with port 587 for submission.
SNMPSimple Network Management Protocol: Protocol for monitoring and managing network devices, using agents and a management station via UDP ports 161/162.
SRTPSecure Real-Time Transport Protocol: Protocol providing encryption and authentication for RTP streams, securing VoIP and video communications.
SSHSecure Shell: Encrypted protocol on port 22 providing secure remote command-line access and file transfer.
SSIDService Set Identifier: Human-readable name identifying a wireless network, broadcast by access points.
TCPTransmission Control Protocol: Connection-oriented Layer 4 protocol providing reliable, ordered delivery through three-way handshake and acknowledgments.
TTLTime to Live: Value limiting the lifetime of data in a network; in IP it counts hops, in DNS it defines cache duration.
UDPUser Datagram Protocol: Connectionless Layer 4 protocol offering fast, low-overhead delivery without guaranteed ordering or reliability.
WAPWireless Access Point: Networking device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi.

Networking Fundamentals (1)

RFCRequest for Comments: Publication series by IETF documenting internet standards, protocols, and best practices.

Operating Systems (2)

BitLockerBitLocker Drive Encryption: Windows full-disk encryption feature using AES and typically the TPM chip for key protection.
OSOperating System: System software managing hardware resources and providing services for application programs.

Physical Security (3)

HVACHeating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning: Environmental control system critical for maintaining proper temperature and humidity in data centers.
RFIDRadio Frequency Identification: Technology using electromagnetic fields to identify and track tags attached to objects, used in access badges and inventory.
UPSUninterruptible Power Supply: Battery backup providing temporary power during outages, protecting equipment and allowing graceful shutdown.

Security Architecture (34)

BYODBring Your Own Device: Policy allowing employees to use personal devices to access organizational resources and data.
CASBCloud Access Security Broker: Security policy enforcement point between cloud consumers and providers, enforcing enterprise security policies.
CMDBConfiguration Management Database: Repository storing information about IT assets and their relationships, supporting change and asset management.
COPECorporate-Owned, Personally Enabled: Mobile device deployment model where the organization owns the device but allows limited personal use.
CSPCloud Service Provider: Organization that offers cloud computing services such as IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS.
CYODChoose Your Own Device: Mobile deployment model where employees select from a list of approved corporate devices.
DLPData Loss Prevention: Technology and policies that detect and prevent unauthorized exfiltration of sensitive data.
FaaSFunction as a Service: Serverless cloud model where the provider runs individual functions in response to events, scaling automatically.
FPGAField-Programmable Gate Array: Integrated circuit configured by the customer after manufacturing, used in specialized hardware applications.
HAHigh Availability: System design approach ensuring a service remains operational with minimal downtime, often using redundancy and failover.
IaaSInfrastructure as a Service: Cloud model providing virtualized computing resources like VMs, storage, and networking on demand.
ICSIndustrial Control System: Networked systems used to monitor and control industrial processes in critical infrastructure like power plants.
IoTInternet of Things: Network of physical devices with embedded sensors and connectivity that collect and exchange data.
MDMMobile Device Management: Software solution for enrolling, configuring, securing, and monitoring mobile devices in an organization.
MTBFMean Time Between Failures: Average time between system failures, used to measure reliability of repairable systems.
MTTFMean Time to Failure: Average time a non-repairable system operates before failure; used for components that are replaced, not repaired.
MTTRMean Time to Repair: Average time required to restore a failed system to operational status.
NFCNear Field Communication: Short-range wireless technology for contactless data exchange within approximately 4 cm.
OTOperational Technology: Hardware and software that detects or controls physical devices and processes in industrial environments.
PaaSPlatform as a Service: Cloud model providing a development platform with tools, middleware, and runtime managed by the provider.
PLCProgrammable Logic Controller: Industrial control computer used to automate manufacturing processes and equipment operations.
RTOSReal-Time Operating System: OS designed to process data and events within strict time constraints, used in embedded and industrial systems.
SaaSSoftware as a Service: Cloud model delivering fully managed applications accessible via a web browser.
SCADASupervisory Control and Data Acquisition: System for remote monitoring and control of industrial processes in critical infrastructure.
SELinuxSecurity-Enhanced Linux: Linux kernel security module providing mandatory access control policies for fine-grained permission enforcement.
SIMSubscriber Identity Module: Smart card storing mobile subscriber identity, authentication keys, and contacts for cellular access.
SPFSingle Point of Failure: Component whose failure would cause the entire system to stop functioning, addressed through redundancy.
TPMTrusted Platform Module: Hardware chip providing secure generation and storage of cryptographic keys, platform integrity attestation, and sealed storage.
UAVUnmanned Aerial Vehicle: Remotely operated or autonomous aircraft that poses physical security and surveillance risks.
UEMUnified Endpoint Management: Platform managing all endpoint types (mobile, desktop, IoT) from a single console with consistent policy enforcement.
VDIVirtual Desktop Infrastructure: Technology hosting desktop environments on a centralized server, with users accessing them remotely.
VMVirtual Machine: Software-emulated computer running its own OS on a hypervisor, isolated from the physical host.
VPCVirtual Private Cloud: Isolated virtual network within a public cloud environment with its own IP range, subnets, and security policies.
ZTNAZero Trust Network Access: Security model granting access based on continuous verification of identity, device, and context rather than network location.

Security Operations (29)

AISAutomated Indicator Sharing: DHS service enabling real-time exchange of machine-readable cyber threat indicators between organizations.
ATT&CKAdversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge: MITRE framework cataloging known adversary behaviors and tactics used in cyber intrusions.
AVAntivirus: Software that detects, prevents, and removes malicious software from systems.
CERTComputer Emergency Response Team: Team of security experts handling cybersecurity incidents and coordinating response efforts.
CIRTComputer Incident Response Team: Organizational team responsible for detecting, analyzing, and responding to security incidents.
CSIRTComputer Security Incident Response Team: Specialized team providing incident handling services including analysis, containment, and recovery.
DAMDatabase Activity Monitoring: Security technology that monitors and audits database access to detect unauthorized or suspicious queries.
EDREndpoint Detection and Response: Security solution that continuously monitors endpoints for suspicious activity and enables rapid investigation and response.
FIMFile Integrity Monitoring: Security control that detects unauthorized changes to critical system files and configurations.
HIDSHost-based Intrusion Detection System: Security agent monitoring a single host for suspicious activity, file changes, and policy violations.
HIPSHost-based Intrusion Prevention System: Security agent that monitors and can block malicious activity on a host in real time.
IDSIntrusion Detection System: Security system that monitors network or host activity for malicious behavior and generates alerts.
IoCIndicator of Compromise: Forensic artifact or observable that suggests a system has been breached, such as unusual traffic or file hashes.
IPSIntrusion Prevention System: Inline security system that monitors, detects, and actively blocks malicious network activity.
IRIncident Response: Organized approach to detecting, managing, and recovering from cybersecurity incidents.
MDRManaged Detection and Response: Outsourced security service providing 24/7 threat monitoring, detection, and incident response.
NIDSNetwork-based Intrusion Detection System: System monitoring network traffic for suspicious patterns and generating alerts for potential intrusions.
NIPSNetwork-based Intrusion Prevention System: Inline system that monitors network traffic and actively blocks detected threats in real time.
OSINTOpen-Source Intelligence: Intelligence collected from publicly available sources such as websites, social media, and public records.
OVALOpen Vulnerability and Assessment Language: Standardized XML language for expressing security vulnerability assessment and configuration data.
SIEMSecurity Information and Event Management: Platform aggregating and correlating log data from across the environment to detect threats and support incident response.
SOARSecurity Orchestration, Automation, and Response: Platform that integrates security tools and automates incident response workflows to reduce analyst workload.
SOCSecurity Operations Center: Centralized team and facility that monitors, detects, analyzes, and responds to cybersecurity incidents 24/7.
STIXStructured Threat Information eXpression: Standardized language for describing cyber threat information in a structured, machine-readable format.
SYSLOGSystem Logging Protocol: Standard protocol for forwarding log messages from network devices to a centralized logging server on UDP port 514.
TAXIITrusted Automated eXchange of Intelligence Information: Transport protocol for sharing STIX cyber threat intelligence data between organizations.
WIDSWireless Intrusion Detection System: System monitoring wireless network traffic for unauthorized access points and suspicious activity.
WIPSWireless Intrusion Prevention System: System that detects and automatically mitigates wireless threats like rogue access points.
XDRExtended Detection and Response: Security platform integrating data from endpoints, networks, and cloud to provide unified threat detection and response.

Security Program Management (33)

ALEAnnualized Loss Expectancy: Expected monetary loss from a risk per year, calculated as SLE multiplied by ARO.
AROAnnualized Rate of Occurrence: Estimated frequency of a threat occurring within a single year, used in quantitative risk analysis.
AUPAcceptable Use Policy: Organizational policy defining permitted and prohibited uses of IT systems and data.
BCPBusiness Continuity Planning: Process of creating plans to ensure critical business functions continue during and after a disaster.
BPABusiness Partnership Agreement: Legal document defining terms, responsibilities, and expectations between business partners.
CCPACalifornia Consumer Privacy Act: California law granting consumers rights over their personal data and imposing obligations on businesses.
CISCenter for Internet Security: Nonprofit organization publishing security benchmarks, best practices, and the CIS Controls framework.
CISOChief Information Security Officer: Senior executive responsible for an organization's information security strategy and program.
CTOChief Technology Officer: Senior executive overseeing an organization's technology strategy and development.
DBADatabase Administrator: Role responsible for managing, securing, and maintaining database systems.
DPOData Protection Officer: Role required by GDPR to oversee data protection strategy, compliance, and data subject requests.
DRPDisaster Recovery Plan: Documented process for restoring IT infrastructure and operations after a catastrophic event.
GDPRGeneral Data Protection Regulation: EU regulation governing the collection, processing, and protection of personal data for EU residents.
HIPAAHealth Insurance Portability and Accountability Act: US law establishing standards for protecting sensitive patient health information.
ISAInterconnection Security Agreement: Agreement documenting the technical security requirements for connecting two organizations' IT systems.
ISOInternational Organization for Standardization: International body developing standards including ISO 27001 for information security management systems.
ISSOInformation Systems Security Officer: Role responsible for ensuring the security of a specific information system and its compliance with policies.
KPIKey Performance Indicator: Measurable value demonstrating how effectively an organization achieves key business or security objectives.
KRIKey Risk Indicator: Metric used to provide an early warning signal of increasing risk exposure in an organization.
MOUMemorandum of Understanding: Non-binding agreement between organizations outlining mutual intentions and expectations for cooperation.
MSAMaster Service Agreement: Contract establishing the terms governing future transactions or agreements between parties.
NDANon-Disclosure Agreement: Legal contract preventing parties from sharing confidential information with unauthorized persons.
NISTNational Institute of Standards and Technology: US federal agency that develops cybersecurity frameworks, standards, and guidelines.
NIST CSFNIST Cybersecurity Framework: Voluntary framework of standards and best practices organized into Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover functions.
PCI-DSSPayment Card Industry Data Security Standard: Security standard for organizations handling credit card data, mandating controls for cardholder data protection.
PHIProtected Health Information: Individually identifiable health information regulated by HIPAA, requiring safeguards for privacy.
PIIPersonally Identifiable Information: Data that can be used to identify a specific individual, such as SSN, full name, or biometric records.
RPORecovery Point Objective: Maximum acceptable amount of data loss measured in time, defining backup frequency requirements.
RTORecovery Time Objective: Maximum acceptable downtime before a business function must be restored after a disruption.
SLAService Level Agreement: Contract defining measurable service targets like uptime, response time, and support levels between provider and client.
SLESingle Loss Expectancy: Monetary value of loss from a single occurrence of a specific risk event.
SOWStatement of Work: Document defining the specific tasks, deliverables, and timelines for a project or service engagement.
SOXSarbanes-Oxley Act: US federal law mandating financial reporting controls and auditing requirements for publicly traded companies.

Threats and Vulnerabilities (9)

APTAdvanced Persistent Threat: Sophisticated, long-term cyberattack where an intruder gains and maintains unauthorized access, typically state-sponsored.
CVECommon Vulnerabilities and Exposures: Standardized catalog of publicly known cybersecurity vulnerabilities, each assigned a unique identifier.
CVSSCommon Vulnerability Scoring System: Open framework for rating the severity of security vulnerabilities on a 0-10 scale.
DDoSDistributed Denial of Service: Attack using multiple compromised systems to flood a target, overwhelming its capacity to serve legitimate requests.
DoSDenial of Service: Attack that disrupts a service by overwhelming it with traffic or exploiting a vulnerability to make it unavailable.
MaaSMalware as a Service: Criminal business model where threat actors sell or lease malware kits to less-skilled attackers.
MITMMan-in-the-Middle: Attack where an adversary secretly intercepts and potentially alters communication between two parties.
RaaSRansomware as a Service: Criminal business model where ransomware developers license their tools to affiliates in exchange for a cut of ransom payments.
TTPTactics, Techniques, and Procedures: Patterns of behavior and methods used by threat actors, forming the basis for threat intelligence analysis.

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