Most people who are in the process of developing a basic understanding of cybersecurity problems and solutions also have the task of learning “a new language.” Like any other field with a litany of terms, cybersecurity has its own universe of acronyms and initials.
And yes, in this case, they are diverse. While some commonly used, others are darker. Because of the large volume of data, we will endeavor to cover the most important or most common cybersecurity acronyms for today’s businesses.
Table of Contents
Acronyms vs. Initialisms
Before you start, keep in attention that there is a difference between initials and initials. People tend to refer to a grouping of letters that is commonly agreed to represent a particular phrase as an acronym.
While this works most of the period, there are many times it can be wrong. Such groupings are only acronyms if they can pronounce as a “word” like NASA. They’re initials when they can’t, like FCC.
So technically, this is a list of initials rather than acronyms, but who does the initialization on the internet? Who would have thought that Initialisms already existed?
Here we go
IDS/IDP:
IDPs: One of the main lines of cyber defense, intrusion detection, and protection systems, searches the data traffic in your network for known cyber attack signatures (exposure) and stops the delivery of packets that you consider threatening (protection).
NGFW:
A next-generation firewall combines the attributes of a traditional firewall with IDPS functionality. In other words, you actively seek threats, even if you defend yourself against them.
EDR:
Endpoint Detection and Response – refers to technologies that can use to find and counteract functional abnormalities in any of the devices connected to your network. EDR is an essential aspect of advanced cloud-based SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) solutions and monitors workstations, servers, modems, routers, printers, and the like. It is essential to understand that EDR should be used to extend the functionality of IDPS and NGFW rather than to replace them.
EPP:
Endpoint Protection Platforms designed to block perceived threats emanating from devices like the ones listed above. While EDR and EPP work hand in hand, they are two different solutions.
SIEM:
Real-time collection of event data detected by your network-connected firewalls, antivirus software, and hardware, informs security intelligence and management technology. While SIEM and EDR have some things in common, the functions of SIEM are much broader. EDR is one of the sources from which SIEM collects data.
UEBA/UBA:
User Entity Behavior Analytics / User Behavior Analytics solutions “monitor” the actions of those who have access to the system and monitor their activities for behaviors that are considered unusual. Algorithms and statistical analysis are applied to observed user behavior patterns to determine when someone is potentially acting maliciously.
DLP:
Data Loss Prevention tools and processes used to protect sensitive data from abuse. It includes loss, misuse, and unauthorized access both inside and outside a system. DLP differs from UBA in that its focus is on the data itself, as opposed to the users of the data.
IAM:
Identity and Access Management Systems designed to limit access to certain aspects of a network to those who have a well-defined need for interaction. They allow “least privileged” or “zero trusts” access to the account.
With firewalls, perimeter and endpoint security, and user and data monitoring.Tthese are eight of the top cybersecurity acronyms for businesses. Together they form the core of modern protection technologies. You may have noticed a significant overlap between them, and they are likely to become more intertwined as they develop.
With this in mind, there are many more initials and acronyms to consider as you continue your search for better cybersecurity. What are some of the others you are familiar with? Please share them in the comments section below.