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Technology terms explained in plain English. No jargon, no confusion.
A Microsoft service that manages user accounts, permissions, and access to network resources. Think of it as the master list that controls who can access what in your organization.
A set of rules that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs enable your business tools to share data and work together seamlessly.
Microsoft's cloud computing platform that provides services like virtual machines, databases, and application hosting. It's one of the three major cloud platforms alongside AWS and Google Cloud.
A copy of your data stored separately from the original, used to restore information if it's lost, corrupted, or encrypted by ransomware. Proper backups follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media types, 1 offsite.
The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over an internet connection in a given time period, usually measured in Mbps (megabits per second). Higher bandwidth means faster downloads and smoother video calls.
A legal contract required by HIPAA between a healthcare provider and any vendor that handles protected health information (PHI). It ensures the vendor will properly safeguard patient data.
Using remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data instead of local servers or personal computers. Examples include Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and AWS.
A compliance framework required for companies working with the Department of Defense. It has multiple levels that certify an organization's cybersecurity practices meet specific standards.
Meeting the requirements of laws, regulations, and industry standards that apply to your business. Common frameworks include HIPAA for healthcare, PCI-DSS for payment processing, and SOC 2 for service providers.
A part of the internet that isn't indexed by search engines and requires special software to access. Stolen credentials and data are often sold here, which is why dark web monitoring is important for security.
An attack that floods a website or service with so much traffic that it becomes unavailable to legitimate users. Think of it like thousands of people trying to enter a store at once, blocking the entrance.
The system that translates website names (like techvera.com) into IP addresses that computers use to locate servers. It's like the phone book of the internet.
Advanced security software that monitors computers and devices for suspicious activity, detects threats, and can automatically respond to attacks. It's much more sophisticated than traditional antivirus.
The process of converting data into a coded format that can only be read with the correct key. Encryption protects sensitive information both when it's stored (at rest) and when it's being transmitted (in transit).
Any device that connects to your network, including laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets, and servers. Each endpoint is a potential entry point for attackers, which is why endpoint security is critical.
A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined rules. It acts as a barrier between your trusted internal network and untrusted external networks.
A federal law that requires healthcare organizations and their business associates to protect patient health information. Non-compliance can result in significant fines.
A cloud computing model where you rent IT infrastructure (servers, storage, networks) from a cloud provider instead of buying and maintaining your own hardware. AWS EC2 and Azure VMs are examples.
The organized approach to addressing and managing a security breach or cyberattack. A good incident response plan helps minimize damage and recovery time.
Physical devices embedded with sensors and software that connect to the internet and exchange data. Examples include smart thermostats, security cameras, and connected medical devices.
A unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a network. Think of it as a mailing address for your computer that allows data to be sent to the right place.
Malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. Types include viruses, ransomware, spyware, and trojans.
Software that allows IT departments to manage, secure, and enforce policies on smartphones, tablets, and laptops. It's essential for organizations with remote workers or BYOD policies.
A security service that combines technology with human expertise to detect, analyze, and respond to threats 24/7. It's like having a security operations center without building one yourself.
A security method that requires users to provide two or more verification factors to access an account. Typically combines something you know (password) with something you have (phone) or something you are (fingerprint).
A company that remotely manages a customer's IT infrastructure and end-user systems on a proactive basis, typically for a monthly fee. Techvera is an MSP.
Dividing a computer network into smaller parts to improve security and performance. If one segment is compromised, attackers can't easily access other parts of the network.
A cloud computing model that provides a platform for developers to build, run, and manage applications without dealing with the underlying infrastructure. Examples include Heroku and Google App Engine.
A software update that fixes bugs, closes security vulnerabilities, or adds features. Regular patching is critical for security, as attackers often exploit known vulnerabilities in unpatched systems.
Security standards that organizations must follow when handling credit card information. Compliance is required for any business that accepts, processes, or stores payment card data.
A simulated cyberattack performed by security professionals to identify vulnerabilities in your systems before real attackers can exploit them.
Any health information that can identify an individual, including names, addresses, medical records, and insurance information. PHI must be protected under HIPAA regulations.
A type of social engineering attack where criminals send fraudulent messages (usually email) designed to trick people into revealing sensitive information or installing malware.
Malware that encrypts your files and demands payment (ransom) to restore access. Modern ransomware often also steals data before encrypting, threatening to publish it if the ransom isn't paid.
Software that allows IT providers to remotely monitor, manage, and support client computers and networks. It enables proactive maintenance and fast problem resolution.
Software delivered over the internet on a subscription basis, rather than installed locally. Examples include Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Slack.
Technology that collects and analyzes security data from across your IT environment to detect threats and support incident response. It's the central nervous system of a security operations center.
An authentication method that allows users to access multiple applications with one set of login credentials. It improves security (fewer passwords to manage) and user experience.
A contract that defines the level of service expected from a provider, including response times, uptime guarantees, and remedies if targets aren't met.
A facility or team responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents 24/7. Many organizations outsource this function to providers offering SOC-as-a-service.
An auditing standard that evaluates how service providers manage customer data based on five trust principles: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
Psychological manipulation techniques used to trick people into making security mistakes or giving away sensitive information. Phishing is the most common type.
See Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). 2FA specifically refers to using exactly two factors, while MFA can use two or more.
Technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection over the internet, allowing remote users to access company resources as if they were in the office. Essential for secure remote work.
A weakness in a system that could be exploited by attackers. Vulnerabilities are regularly discovered in software and must be addressed through patching.
A security model based on the principle "never trust, always verify." Instead of trusting users inside the network, every access request is fully authenticated and authorized regardless of location.
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