Wanna be a cybersecurity expert, but you’re not sure where to start?
Just like with learning a new language, vocabulary is key.
So here are ten terms every cyber enthusiast should know!
Number one — DNS query.
A DNS query, also known as a DNS request, is a device’s request to a Domain Name System
(DNS) server to provide an IP address for a given hostname.
For example, when you enter a website into your browser’s search bar, like “YouTube.com”
on your computer, it will send a question to the DNS server about which network or IP
address the domain name belongs to so it can direct you there.
Number two — the dark web The dark web is the part of the internet that
consists of websites that hide their IP addresses from the rest of the internet.
In order to access websites on the dark web, you will need specific software.
Number three — ethical hacking Ethical hacking, also known as white hat hacking
or penetration testing, is a type of legal hacking and testing that aims to identify
security vulnerabilities in networks, software, or hardware.
It’s performed by cybersecurity experts who always have the permission of the target
to hack into systems and report vulnerabilities.
Number four — firewall A firewall is a security system that controls
network traffic based on specified parameters.
It provides network security by blocking some threats and preventing unauthorized access.
Number five — email spoofing Email spoofing is also known as an email spoofing
attack or an email spoof.
It’s a type of cyberattack where the criminal fakes (spoofs) the sender address and poses
as a person in a position of authority (like a bank or government representative) or an
acquaintance of the victim.
The attacker wants to lower the victim’s guard to then trick them into clicking a link
to a malicious website or downloading an infected attachment.
Number six — RFID blocking RFID stands for radio frequency identification.
Credit cards and passports use RFID technology to allow machines to scan them from a short
distance.
.RFID blocking means using special wallets, sleeves, passport covers, and other objects
that limit RFID scanning.
Number seven — a trojan Also known as a trojan virus or a trojan horse,
a trojan is a type of malware that masks itself as a legitimate program or file so it can
get inside a computer and perform malicious actions.
Number eight — warchalking Warchalking is the drawing of chalk symbols
in public places to indicate free Wi-Fi hotspots.
Wi-Fi enthusiasts practice warchalking in rural and urban areas and usually draw warchalking
symbols on objects near the Wi-Fi hotspot, like sidewalks, walls, or lamp posts.
However, the markings may advertise unintentionally open Wi-Fi networks, posing a security threat
to those who may have accidentally left their network unsecured.
Number nine — smishing Smishing is a cyberattack that is carried
out over text messages.
Smishing is a variant of phishing, where cybercriminals send out fake texts to convince their victim
that it’s from someone they know or trust, like a bank or a government agency.
Usually, the goal is to steal money or get the person to install malware on their device
to enable further attacks.
Number ten — adware Adware, or advertising-supported software,
is software or an application that hijacks your browser and shows unwanted advertisements
on your device.
It is used to make money — adware developers earn revenue for each advertisement a user
sees.
Adware isn’t considered as dangerous as a virus but can lead to security problems.
That should get you started.
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