Cyber Dictionary
Plain-language definitions of the jargon behind the memes.
- Social engineering
- Hacking the human instead of the computer — manipulating people into breaking security procedures or giving up information.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- A login that requires two different kinds of proof — something you know plus something you have — so a stolen password isn't enough.
- Zero-day
- A software vulnerability that is exploited before the vendor knows about it — leaving zero days to ship a patch.
- Phishing
- A social-engineering attack that tricks you into handing over credentials or money by impersonating someone you trust — usually over email.