Definition: The ability and means to communicate with or otherwise interact with a system, to use system resources to handle information, to gain knowledge of the information the system contains, or to control system components and functions.
From: CNSSI 4009
access and identity management
Synonym(s): identity and access management
access control
Definition: The process of granting or denying specific requests for or attempts to: 1) obtain and use information and related information processing services; and 2) enter specific physical facilities.
Related Term(s): access control mechanism
From: CNSSI 4009
access control mechanism
Definition: Security measures designed to detect and deny unauthorized access and permit authorized access to an information system or a physical facility.
From: CNSSI 4009
active attack
Definition: An actual assault perpetrated by an intentional threat source that attempts to alter a system, its resources, its data, or its operations.
Related Term(s): passive attack
From: IETF RFC 4949, NIST SP 800-63 Rev 1
active content
Definition: Software that is able to automatically carry out or trigger actions without the explicit intervention of a user.
From: CNSSI 4009
adversary
Definition: An individual, group, organization, or government that conducts or has the intent to conduct detrimental activities.
Related Term(s): threat agent, attacker
From: DHS Risk Lexicon
air gap
Definition: To physically separate or isolate a system from other systems or networks (verb).
Extended Definition: The physical separation or isolation of a system from other systems or networks (noun).
alert
Definition: A notification that a specific attack has been detected or directed at an organization’s information systems.
From: CNSSI 4009
allowlist
Definition: A list of entities that are considered trustworthy and are granted access or privileges.
Related Term(s): Blocklist
From: DHS personnel
all source intelligence
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Analyzes threat information from multiple sources, disciplines, and agencies across the Intelligence Community. Synthesizes and places intelligence information in context; draws insights about the possible implications.
From: NICE Framework
analyze
Definition: A NICE Framework category consisting of specialty areas responsible for highly specialized review and evaluation of incoming cybersecurity information to determine its usefulness for intelligence.
From: NICE Framework
antispyware software
Definition: A program that specializes in detecting and blocking or removing forms of spyware.
Related Term(s): spyware
From: NCSD Glossary
antivirus software
Definition: A program that monitors a computer or network to detect or identify major types of malicious code and to prevent or contain malware incidents. Sometimes by removing or neutralizing the malicious code.
From: NCSD Glossary
asset
Definition: A person, structure, facility, information, and records, information technology systems and resources, material, process, relationships, or reputation that has value.
Extended Definition: Anything useful that contributes to the success of something, such as an organizational mission; assets are things of value or properties to which value can be assigned.
From: DHS Risk Lexicon
asymmetric cryptography
Synonym(s): public key cryptography
attack
Definition: An attempt to gain unauthorized access to system services, resources, or information, or an attempt to compromise system integrity.
Extended Definition: The intentional act of attempting to bypass one or more security services or controls of an information system.
Definition: The manner or technique and means an adversary may use in an assault on information or an information system.
From: DHS Risk Lexicon, NCSD Glossary
attack mode
Synonym(s): attack method
attack path
Definition: The steps that an adversary takes or may take to plan, prepare for, and execute an attack.
From: DHS Risk Lexicon, NCSD Glossary
attack pattern
Definition: Similar cyber events or behaviors that may indicate an attack has occurred or is occurring, resulting in a security violation or a potential security violation.
Extended Definition: For software, descriptions of common methods for exploiting software systems.
Related Term(s): attack signature
From: Oak Ridge National Laboratory Visualization Techniques for Computer Network Defense, MITRE’s CAPEC web site
attack signature
Definition: A characteristic or distinctive pattern that can be searched for or that can be used in matching to previously identified attacks.
Extended Definition: An automated set of rules for identifying a potential threat (such as an exploit or the presence of an attacker tool) and possible responses to that threat.
Definition: The set of ways in which an adversary can enter a system and potentially cause damage.
Extended Definition: An information system’s characteristics that permit an adversary to probe, attack, or maintain presence in the information system.
Definition: An individual, group, organization, or government that executes an attack.
Extended Definition: A party acting with malicious intent to compromise an information system.
Related Term(s): adversary, threat agent
From: Barnum & Sethi (2006), NIST SP 800-63 Rev 1
authenticate
Related Term(s): authentication
authentication
Definition: The process of verifying the identity or other attributes of an entity (user, process, or device).
Extended Definition: Also the process of verifying the source and integrity of data.
From: CNSSI 4009, NIST SP 800-21, NISTIR 7298
authenticity
Definition: A property achieved through cryptographic methods of being genuine and being able to be verified and trusted, resulting in confidence in the validity of a transmission, information or a message, or sender of information or a message.
Related Term(s): integrity, non-repudiation
From: CNSSI 4009, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4
authorization
Definition: A process of determining, by evaluating applicable access control information, whether a subject is allowed to have the specified types of access to a particular resource.
Extended Definition: The process or act of granting access privileges or the access privileges as granted.
From: OASIS SAML Glossary 2.0; Adapted from CNSSI 4009
availability
Definition: The property of being accessible and usable upon demand.
Extended Definition: In cybersecurity, applies to assets such as information or information systems.
Definition: An adversary that possesses sophisticated levels of expertise and significant resources which allow it to create opportunities to achieve its objectives by using multiple attack vectors (e.g., cyber, physical, and deception).
From: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4
Letter: B
behavior monitoring
Synonym(s): behavioral monitoring
From: DHS personnel
blocklist
Definition: A list of entities that are blocked or denied privileges or access.
Related Term(s): Allowlist
From: DHS personnel
blue Team
Definition: A group that defends an enterprise’s information systems when mock attackers (i.e., the Red Team) attack, typically as part of an operational exercise conducted according to rules established and monitored by a neutral group (i.e., the White Team).
Extended Definition: Also, a group that conducts operational vulnerability evaluations and recommends mitigation techniques to customers who need an independent technical review of their cybersecurity posture.
Related Term(s): Red Team, White Team
From: CNSSI 4009
bot
Definition: A computer connected to the Internet that has been surreptitiously / secretly compromised with malicious logic to perform activities under remote the command and control of a remote administrator.
Extended Definition: A member of a larger collection of compromised computers known as a botnet.
Related Term(s): botnet
Synonym(s): zombie
bot herder
Synonym(s): bot master
bot master
Definition: The controller of a botnet that, from a remote location, provides direction to the compromised computers in the botnet.
Synonym(s): bot herder
botnet
Definition: A collection of computers compromised by malicious code and controlled across a network.
bug
Definition: An unexpected and relatively small defect, fault, flaw, or imperfection in an information system or device.
From: NCSD Glossary
build security in
Definition: A set of principles, practices, and tools to design, develop, and evolve information systems and software that enhance resistance to vulnerabilities, flaws, and attacks.
From: Trustworthy Cyberspace: Strategic Plan for the Federal Cybersecurity Research and Development Program (2011), US-CERT’s Build Security In website.
Letter: C
capability
Definition: The means to accomplish a mission, function, or objective.
Related Term(s): intent
From: DHS Risk Lexicon
cipher
Synonym(s): cryptographic algorithm
ciphertext
Definition: Data or information in its encrypted form.
Related Term(s): plaintext
From: CNSSI 4009
cloud computing
Definition: A model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing capabilities or resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.
From: CNSSI 4009, NIST SP 800-145
collect & operate
Definition: A NICE Framework category consisting of specialty areas responsible for specialized denial and deception operations and collection of cybersecurity information that may be used to develop intelligence.
From: NICE Framework
collection operations
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Executes collection using appropriate strategies and within the priorities established through the collection management process.
From: NICE Framework
computer forensics
Synonym(s): digital forensics
computer network defense
Definition: The actions taken to defend against unauthorized activity within computer networks.
From: CNSSI 4009
computer network defense analysis
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Uses defensive measures and information collected from a variety of sources to identify, analyze, and report events that occur or might occur within the network in order to protect information, information systems, and networks from threats.
From: NICE Framework
computer network defense infrastructure support
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Tests, implements, deploys, maintains, reviews, and administers the infrastructure hardware and software that are required to effectively manage the computer network defense service provider network and resources; monitors network to actively remediate unauthorized activities.
From: NICE Framework
computer security incident
Related Term(s): event
From: incident
confidentiality
Definition: A property that information is not disclosed to users, processes, or devices unless they have been authorized to access the information.
Extended Definition: Preserving authorized restrictions on information access and disclosure, including means for protecting personal privacy and proprietary information.
Definition: The effect of an event, incident, or occurrence.
Extended Definition: In cybersecurity, the effect of a loss of confidentiality, integrity or availability of information or an information system on an organization’s operations, its assets, on individuals, other organizations, or on national interests.
Definition: A document that sets forth procedures for the continued performance of core capabilities and critical operations during any disruption or potential disruption.
Related Term(s): Business Continuity Plan, Disaster Recovery Plan, Contingency Plan
From: CPG 101, CNSSI 4009
critical infrastructure
Definition: The systems and assets, whether physical or virtual, so vital to society that the incapacity or destruction of such may have a debilitating impact on the security, economy, public health or safety, environment, or any combination of these matters.
Related Term(s): key resource
From: National Infrastructure Protection Plan
critical infrastructure and key resources
Synonym(s): critical infrastructure
cryptanalysis
Definition: The operations performed in defeating or circumventing cryptographic protection of information by applying mathematical techniques and without an initial knowledge of the key employed in providing the protection.
Extended Definition: The study of mathematical techniques for attempting to defeat or circumvent cryptographic techniques and/or information systems security.
From: CNSSI 4009, NIST SP 800-130
cryptographic algorithm
Definition: A well-defined computational procedure that takes variable inputs, including a cryptographic key, and produces an output.
Related Term(s): key, encryption, decryption, symmetric key, asymmetric key
From: CNSSI 4009
cryptography
Definition: The use of mathematical techniques to provide security services, such as confidentiality, data integrity, entity authentication, and data origin authentication.
Extended Definition: The art or science concerning the principles, means, and methods for converting plaintext into ciphertext and for restoring encrypted ciphertext to plaintext.
Related Term(s): plaintext, ciphertext, encryption, decryption
From: NIST SP 800-130; Adapted from: CNSSI 4009
cryptology
Definition: The mathematical science that deals with cryptanalysis and cryptography.
Related Term(s): cryptanalysis, cryptography
From: CNSSI 4009
customer service and technical support
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Addresses problems, installs, configures, troubleshoots, and provides maintenance and training in response to customer requirements or inquiries (e.g., tiered-level customer support).
From: NICE Framework
cyber ecosystem
Definition: The interconnected information infrastructure of interactions among persons, processes, data, and information and communications technologies, along with the environment and conditions that influence those interactions.
From: DHS personnel
cyber exercise
Definition: A planned event during which an organization simulates a cyber disruption to develop or test capabilities such as preventing, detecting, mitigating, responding to or recovering from the disruption.
From: NCSD Glossary, DHS Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program
cyber incident
Related Term(s): event
Synonym(s): incident
cyber incident response plan
Synonym(s): incident response plan
cyber infrastructure
Definition: An electronic information and communications systems and services and the information contained therein.
Extended Definition: The information and communications systems and services composed of all hardware and software that process, store, and communicate information, or any combination of all of these elements: • Processing includes the creation, access, modification, and destruction of information. • Storage includes paper, magnetic, electronic, and all other media types. • Communications include sharing and distribution of information.
From: NIPP
cyber operations
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Performs activities to gather evidence on criminal or foreign intelligence entities in order to mitigate possible or real-time threats, protect against espionage or insider threats, foreign sabotage, international terrorist activities, or to support other intelligence activities.
From: NICE Framework
cyber operations planning
Definition: in the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Performs in-depth joint targeting and cyber planning process. Gathers information and develops detailed Operational Plans and Orders supporting requirements. Conducts strategic and operational-level planning across the full range of operations for integrated information and cyberspace operations.
From: NICE Framework
cybersecurity
Definition: The activity or process, ability or capability, or state whereby information and communications systems and the information contained therein are protected from and/or defended against damage, unauthorized use or modification, or exploitation.
Extended Definition: Strategy, policy, and standards regarding the security of and operations in cyberspace, and encompass[ing] the full range of threat reduction, vulnerability reduction, deterrence, international engagement, incident response, resiliency, and recovery policies and activities, including computer network operations, information assurance, law enforcement, diplomacy, military, and intelligence missions as they relate to the security and stability of the global information and communications infrastructure.
From: CNSSI 4009, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4, NIPP, DHS National Preparedness Goal; White House Cyberspace Policy Review, May 2009
cyber threat intelligence (CTI)
Definition: The collecting, processing, organizing, and analyzing data into actionable information that relates to capabilities, opportunities, actions, and intent of adversaries in the cyber domain to meet a specific requirement determined by and informing decision-makers.
From: ICD 203, CIA, SANS, Dragos, Carnegie Mellon
Letter: D
data administration
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Develops and administers databases and/or data management systems that allow for the storage, query, and utilization of data.
From: NICE Framework
data aggregation
Definition: The process of gathering and combining data from different sources, so that the combined data reveals new information.
Extended Definition: The new information is more sensitive than the individual data elements themselves and the person who aggregates the data was not granted access to the totality of the information.
Related Term(s): data mining
From: CNSSI 4009
data breach
Definition: The unauthorized movement or disclosure of sensitive information to a party, usually outside the organization, that is not authorized to have or see the information.
Related Term(s): data loss, data theft, exfiltration
data integrity
Definition: The property that data is complete, intact, and trusted and has not been modified or destroyed in an unauthorized or accidental manner.
Related Term(s): integrity, system integrity
From: CNSSI 4009, NIST SP 800-27
data leakage
Synonym(s): data breach
data loss
Definition: The result of unintentionally or accidentally deleting data, forgetting where it is stored, or exposure to an unauthorized party.
Related Term(s): data leakage, data theft
data loss prevention
Definition: A set of procedures and mechanisms to stop sensitive data from leaving a security boundary.
Related Term(s): data loss, data theft, data leak
From: Liu, S., & Kuhn, R. (2010, March/April). Data loss prevention. IEEE IT Professional, 11(2), pp. 10-13.
data mining
Definition: The process or techniques used to analyze large sets of existing information to discover previously unrevealed patterns or correlations.
Related Term(s): data aggregation
From: DHS personnel
data spill
Synonym(s): data breach
data theft
Definition: The deliberate or intentional act of stealing of information.
Related Term(s): data aggregation, data leakage, data loss
decipher
Definition: To convert enciphered text to plain text by means of a cryptographic system.
Synonym(s): decode, decrypt
From: CNSSI 4009
decode
Definition: To convert encoded text to plain text by means of a code.
Synonym(s): decipher, decrypt
From: CNSSI 4009
decrypt
Definition: A generic term encompassing decode and decipher.
Synonym(s): decipher, decode
From: CNSSI 4009
decryption
Definition: The process of transforming ciphertext into its original plaintext.
Extended Definition: The process of converting encrypted data back into its original form, so it can be understood.
Synonym(s): decode, decrypt, decipher
From: ICAM SAML 2.0 WB SSO Profile 1.0.2
denial of service
Definition: An attack that prevents or impairs the authorized use of information system resources or services.
From: NCSD Glossary
designed-in security
Synonym(s): Build Security In
digital forensics
Definition: The processes and specialized techniques for gathering, retaining, and analyzing system-related data (digital evidence) for investigative purposes.
Extended Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Collects, processes, preserves, analyzes, and presents computer-related evidence in support of network vulnerability, mitigation, and/or criminal, fraud, counterintelligence or law enforcement investigations.
Synonym(s): computer forensics, forensics
From: CNSSI 4009; From: NICE Framework
digital rights management
Definition: A form of access control technology to protect and manage use of digital content or devices in accordance with the content or device provider’s intentions.
digital signature
Definition: A value computed with a cryptographic process using a private key and then appended to a data object, thereby digitally signing the data.
Definition: An event which causes unplanned interruption in operations or functions for an unacceptable length of time.
From: CNSSI 4009
distributed denial of service
Definition: A denial of service technique that uses numerous systems to perform the attack simultaneously.
Related Term(s): denial of service, botnet
From: CNSSI 4009
dynamic attack surface
Definition: The automated, on-the-fly changes of an information system’s characteristics to thwart actions of an adversary.
From: DHS personnel
Letter: E
education and training
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Conducts training of personnel within pertinent subject domain; develop, plan, coordinate, deliver, and/or evaluate training courses, methods, and techniques as appropriate.
From: NICE Framework
electronic signature
Definition: Any mark in electronic form associated with an electronic document, applied with the intent to sign the document.
Related Term(s): digital signature
From: CNSSI 4009
encipher
Definition: To convert plaintext to ciphertext by means of a cryptographic system.
Synonym(s): encode, encrypt
From: CNSSI 4009
encode
Definition: To convert plaintext to ciphertext by means of a code.
Synonym(s): encipher, encrypt
From: CNSSI 4009
encrypt
Definition: The generic term encompassing encipher and encode.
Synonym(s): encipher, encode
From: CNSSI 4009
encryption
Definition: The process of transforming plaintext into ciphertext.
Extended Definition: Converting data into a form that cannot be easily understood by unauthorized people.
Definition: A comprehensive approach to risk management that engages people, processes, and systems across an organization to improve the quality of decision making for managing risks that may hinder an organization’s ability to achieve its objectives.
Extended Definition: Involves identifying mission dependencies on enterprise capabilities, identifying and prioritizing risks due to defined threats, implementing countermeasures to provide both a static risk posture and an effective dynamic response to active threats; and assessing enterprise performance against threats and adjusts countermeasures as necessary.
Related Term(s): risk management, integrated risk management, risk
From: DHS Risk Lexicon, CNSSI 4009
event
Definition: An observable occurrence in an information system or network.
Extended Definition: Sometimes provides an indication that an incident is occurring or at least raise the suspicion that an incident may be occurring.
Related Term(s): incident
From: CNSSI 4009
exfiltration
Definition: The unauthorized transfer of information from an information system.
Related Term(s): data breach
From: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4
exploit
Definition: A technique to breach the security of a network or information system in violation of security policy.
From: ISO/IEC 27039 (draft), DHS personnel
exposure
Definition: The condition of being unprotected, thereby allowing access to information or access to capabilities that an attacker can use to enter a system or network.
From: NCSD glossary
exploitation analysis
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Analyzes collected information to identify vulnerabilities and potential for exploitation.
From: NICE Framework
Letter: F
failure
Definition: The inability of a system or component to perform its required functions within specified performance requirements.
From: NCSD Glossary
firewall
Definition: A capability to limit network traffic between networks and/or information systems.
Extended Definition: A hardware/software device or a software program that limits network traffic according to a set of rules of what access is and is not allowed or authorized.
From: CNSSI 4009
forensics
Synonym(s): digital forensics
Letter: H
hacker
Definition: An unauthorized user who attempts to or gains access to an information system.
From: CNSSI 4009
hash value
Definition: A numeric value resulting from applying a mathematical algorithm against a set of data such as a file.
Related Term(s): hashing
Synonym(s): cryptographic hash value
From: CNSSI 4009
hashing
Definition: A process of applying a mathematical algorithm against a set of data to produce a numeric value (a ‘hash value’) that represents the data.
Extended Definition: Mapping a bit string of arbitrary length to a fixed length bit string to produce the hash value.
Related Term(s): hash value
From: CNSSI 4009, FIPS 201-2
hazard
Definition: A natural or man-made source or cause of harm or difficulty.
Related Term(s): threat
From: DHS Risk Lexicon
Letter: I
ict supply chain threat
Definition: A man-made threat achieved through exploitation of the information and communications technology (ICT) system’s supply chain, including acquisition processes.
Related Term(s): supply chain, threat
From: DHS SCRM PMO
identity and access management
Definition: The methods and processes used to manage subjects and their authentication and authorizations to access specific objects.
impact
Synonym(s): consequence
incident
Definition: An occurrence that actually or potentially results in adverse consequences to (adverse effects on) (poses a threat to) an information system or the information that the system processes, stores, or transmits and that may require a response action to mitigate the consequences.
Extended Definition: An occurrence that constitutes a violation or imminent threat of violation of security policies, security procedures, or acceptable use policies.
Definition: The management and coordination of activities associated with an actual or potential occurrence of an event that may result in adverse consequences to information or information systems.
Definition: The activities that address the short-term, direct effects of an incident and may also support short-term recovery.
Extended Definition: In the Workforce framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Responds to crisis or urgent situations within the pertinent domain to mitigate immediate and potential threats; uses mitigation, preparedness, and response and recovery approaches, as needed, to maximize survival of life, preservation of property, and information security. Investigates and analyzes all relevant response activities.
Related Term(s): recovery
Synonym(s): response
From: Workforce Framework
incident response plan
Definition: A set of predetermined and documented procedures to detect and respond to a cyber incident.
From: CNSSI 4009
indicator
Definition: An occurrence or sign that an incident may have occurred or may be in progress.
Definition: An information system used to control industrial processes such as manufacturing, product handling, production, and distribution or to control infrastructure assets.
Related Term(s): Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, Operations Technology
From: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4, NIST SP 800-82
information and communication(s) technology
Definition: Any information technology, equipment, or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment that processes, transmits, receives, or interchanges data or information.
Related Term(s): information technology
From: The Access Board’s 2011 Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Section 508
information assurance
Definition: The measures that protect and defend information and information systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, and confidentiality.
Related Term(s): information security
From: CNSSI 4009
information assurance compliance
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Oversees, evaluates, and supports the documentation, validation, and accreditation processes necessary to assure that new IT systems meet the organization’s information assurance and security requirements; ensures appropriate treatment of risk, compliance, and assurance from internal and external perspectives.
From: NICE Framework
information security policy
Definition: An aggregate of directives, regulations, rules, and practices that prescribe how an organization manages, protects, and distributes information.
Related Term(s): security policy
From: CNSSI 4009; NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4
information sharing
Definition: An exchange of data, information, and/or knowledge to manage risks or respond to incidents.
From: NCSD glossary
information system resilience
Definition: The ability of an information system to: (1) continue to operate under adverse conditions or stress, even if in a degraded or debilitated state, while maintaining essential operational capabilities; and (2) recover effectively in a timely manner.
Related Term(s): resilience
From: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4
information systems security operations
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Oversees the information assurance program of an information system in or outside the network environment; may include procurement duties (e.g., Information Systems Security Office
From: NICE Framework
information technology
Definition: Any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment that processes, transmits, receives, or interchanges data or information.
Related Term(s): information and communication(s) technology
From: CNSSI 4009, NIST SP 800-53 rev. 4, based on 40 U.S.C. sec. 1401
inside( r) threat
Definition: A person or group of persons within an organization who pose a potential risk through violating security policies.
Extended Definition: One or more individuals with the access and/or inside knowledge of a company, organization, or enterprise that would allow them to exploit the vulnerabilities of that entity’s security, systems, services, products, or facilities with the intent to cause harm.
Related Term(s): outside( r) threat
From: CNSSI 4009; From: NIAC Final Report and Recommendations on the Insider Threat to Critical Infrastructure, 2008
integrated risk management
Definition: The structured approach that enables an enterprise or organization to share risk information and risk analysis and to synchronize independent yet complementary risk management strategies to unify efforts across the enterprise.
Related Term(s): risk management, enterprise risk management
From: DHS Risk Lexicon
integrity
Definition: The property whereby information, an information system, or a component of a system has not been modified or destroyed in an unauthorized manner.
Extended Definition: A state in which information has remained unaltered from the point it was produced by a source, during transmission, storage, and eventual receipt by the destination.
Related Term(s): availability, confidentiality, data integrity, system integrity
Definition: A state of mind or desire to achieve an objective.
Related Term(s): capability
From: DHS Risk Lexicon
interoperability
Definition: The ability of two or more systems or components to exchange information and to use the information that has been exchanged.
From: IEEE Standard Computer Dictionary, DHS personnel
intrusion
Definition: An unauthorized act of bypassing the security mechanisms of a network or information system.
Synonym(s): penetration
From: CNSSI 4009
intrusion detection
Definition: The process and methods for analyzing information from networks and information systems to determine if a security breach or security violation has occurred.
From: CNSSI 4009, ISO/IEC 27039 (draft)
investigate
Definition: a NICE Framework category consisting of specialty areas responsible for the investigation of cyber events and/or crimes of IT systems, networks, and digital evidence
From: NICE Framework
investigation
Definition: A systematic and formal inquiry into a qualified threat or incident using digital forensics and perhaps other traditional criminal inquiry techniques to determine the events that transpired and to collect evidence.
Extended Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Applies tactics, techniques, and procedures for a full range of investigative tools and processes to include but not limited to interview and interrogation techniques, surveillance, counter surveillance, and surveillance detection, and appropriately balances the benefits of prosecution versus intelligence gathering.
From: ISSG V1.2 Database; Conrad, E., Misenauer, S., & Feldman, J. (2010). CISSP® Study Guide. Burlington, MA: Syngress; From: NICE Workforce Framework
it asset
Synonym(s): asset
Letter: K
knowledge management
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Manages and administers processes and tools that enable the organization to identify, document, and access intellectual capital and information content.
From: NICE Framework
Letter: L
legal advice and advocacy
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Provides legally sound advice and recommendations to leadership and staff on a variety of relevant topics within the pertinent subject domain; advocates legal and policy changes and makes a case on behalf of client via a wide range of written and oral work products, including legal briefs and proceedings.
From: NICE Framework
Letter: M
machine learning and evolution
Definition: A field concerned with designing and developing artificial intelligence algorithms for automated knowledge discovery and innovation by information systems.
From: DHS personnel
macro virus
Definition: A type of malicious code that attaches itself to documents and uses the macro programming capabilities of the document’s application to execute, replicate, and spread or propagate itself.
Related Term(s): virus
From: CNSSI 4009
malicious applet
Definition: A small application program that is automatically downloaded and executed and that performs an unauthorized function on an information system.
Related Term(s): malicious code
From: CNSSI 4009
malicious code
Definition: Program code intended to perform an unauthorized function or process that will have adverse impact on the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of an information system.
Extended Definition: Includes software, firmware, and scripts.
Related Term(s): malicious logic
From: CNSSI 4009. NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4
malicious logic
Definition: Hardware, firmware, or software that is intentionally included or inserted in a system to perform an unauthorized function or process that will have adverse impact on the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of an information system.
Related Term(s): malicious code
From: CNSSI 4009
malware
Definition: Software that compromises the operation of a system by performing an unauthorized function or process.
Definition: The presentation of a dynamic attack surface, increasing an adversary’s work factor necessary to probe, attack, or maintain presence in a cyber target.
From: DHS personnel
Letter: N
network resilience
Definition: The ability of a network to: (1) provide continuous operation (i.e., highly resistant to disruption and able to operate in a degraded mode if damaged); (2) recover effectively if failure does occur; and (3) scale to meet rapid or unpredictable demands.
From: CNSSI 4009
network services
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Installs, configures, tests, operates, maintains, and manages networks and their firewalls, including hardware (e.g., hubs, bridges, switches, multiplexers, routers, cables, proxy servers, and protective distributor systems) and software that permit the sharing and transmission of all spectrum transmissions of information to support the security of information and information systems.
From: NICE Framework
non-repudiation
Definition: A property achieved through cryptographic methods to protect against an individual or entity falsely denying having performed a particular action related to data.
Extended Definition: Provides the capability to determine whether a given individual took a particular action such as creating information, sending a message, approving information, and receiving a message.
Related Term(s): integrity, authenticity
From: CNSSI 4009; From: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4
Letter: O
object
Definition: A passive information system-related entity containing or receiving information.
Related Term(s): subject, access, access control
From: CNSSI 4009, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4
operate & maintain
Definition: A NICE Framework category consisting of specialty areas responsible for providing the support, administration, and maintenance necessary to ensure effective and efficient IT system performance and security.
From: NICE Framework
operational exercise
Definition: An action-based exercise where personnel rehearse reactions to an incident scenario, drawing on their understanding of plans and procedures, roles, and responsibilities.
Extended Definition: Also referred to as operations-based exercise.
From: DHS Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program
operations technology
Definition: The hardware and software systems used to operate industrial control devices.
Related Term(s): Industrial Control System
From: DHS personnel
outside( r) threat
Definition: A person or group of persons external to an organization who are not authorized to access its assets and pose a potential risk to the organization and its assets.
Related Term(s): inside( r) threat
From: CNSSI 4009
oversight & development
Definition: A NICE Framework category consisting of specialty areas providing leadership, management, direction, and/or development and advocacy so that all individuals and the organization may effectively conduct cybersecurity work.
From: NICE Framework
Letter: P
passive attack
Definition: An actual assault perpetrated by an intentional threat source that attempts to learn or make use of information from a system, but does not attempt to alter the system, its resources, its data, or its operations.
Related Term(s): active attack
From: IETF RFC 4949, NIST SP 800-63 Rev 1
password
Definition: A string of characters (letters, numbers, and other symbols) used to authenticate an identity or to verify access authorization.
From: FIPS 140-2
pen test
Definition: A colloquial term for penetration test or penetration testing.
From: penetration testing
penetration
Synonym(s): intrusion
penetration testing
Definition: An evaluation methodology whereby assessors search for vulnerabilities and attempt to circumvent the security features of a network and/or information system.
Definition: An observable occurrence or sign that an attacker may be preparing to cause an incident.
Related Term(s): indicator
From: CNSSI 4009, NIST SP 800-61 Rev 2 (DRAFT)
preparedness
Definition: The activities to build, sustain, and improve readiness capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from natural or manmade incidents.
From: NIPP
privacy
Definition: The assurance that the confidentiality of, and access to, certain information about an entity is protected.
Extended Definition: The ability of individuals to understand and exercise control over how information about themselves may be used by others.
Definition: A cryptographic key that must be kept confidential and is used to enable the operation of an asymmetric (public key) cryptographic algorithm.
Extended Definition: The secret part of an asymmetric key pair that is uniquely associated with an entity.
Related Term(s): public key, asymmetric cryptography
From: CNSSI 4009, NIST SP 800-63 Rev 1, FIPS 201-2, FIPS 140-2, Federal Bridge Certificate Authority Certification Policy 2.25
protect & defend
Definition: A NICE Framework category consisting of specialty areas responsible for the identification, analysis, and mitigation of threats to internal IT systems or networks.
From: NICE Framework
public key
Definition: A cryptographic key that may be widely published and is used to enable the operation of an asymmetric (public key) cryptographic algorithm.
Extended Definition: The public part of an asymmetric key pair that is uniquely associated with an entity and that may be made public.
Related Term(s): private key, asymmetric cryptography
From: CNSSI 4009, NIST SP 800-63 Rev 1, FIPS 201-2, FIPS 140-2, Federal Bridge Certificate Authority Certification Policy 2.25
public key cryptography
Definition: A branch of cryptography in which a cryptographic system or algorithms use two uniquely linked keys: a public key and a private key (a key pair).
Synonym(s): asymmetric cryptography, public key encryption
From: CNSSI 4009, FIPS 140-2, InCommon Glossary
public key encryption
Synonym(s): public key cryptography
public key infrastructure
Definition: A framework consisting of standards and services to enable secure, encrypted communication and authentication over potentially insecure networks such as the Internet.
Extended Definition: A framework and services for generating, producing, distributing, controlling, accounting for, and revoking (destroying) public key certificates.
Definition: The activities after an incident or event to restore essential services and operations in the short and medium term and fully restore all capabilities in the longer term.
From: NIPP
red team
Definition: A group authorized and organized to emulate a potential adversary’s attack or exploitation capabilities against an enterprise’s cybersecurity posture.
Related Term(s): Blue Team, White Team
From: CNSSI 4009
red team exercise
Definition: An exercise, reflecting real-world conditions, that is conducted as a simulated attempt by an adversary to attack or exploit vulnerabilities in an enterprise’s information systems.
Related Term(s): cyber exercise
From: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4
redundancy
Definition: Additional or alternative systems, sub-systems, assets, or processes that maintain a degree of overall functionality in case of loss or failure of another system, sub-system, asset, or process.
From: DHS Risk Lexicon
resilience
Definition: The ability to adapt to changing conditions and prepare for, withstand, and rapidly recover from disruption.
From: DHS Risk Lexicon
response
Definition: The activities that address the short-term, direct effects of an incident and may also support short-term recovery.
Extended Definition: In cybersecurity, response encompasses both automated and manual activities.
Related Term(s): recovery
From: National Infrastructure Protection Plan, NCPS Target Architecture Glossary
response plan
Synonym(s): incident response plan
risk
Definition: The potential for an unwanted or adverse outcome resulting from an incident, event, or occurrence, as determined by the likelihood that a particular threat will exploit a particular vulnerability, with the associated consequences.
Definition: The systematic examination of the components and characteristics of risk.
Related Term(s): risk assessment, risk
From: DHS Risk Lexicon
risk assessment
Definition: The product or process which collects information and assigns values to risks for the purpose of informing priorities, developing or comparing courses of action, and informing decision making.
Extended Definition: The appraisal of the risks facing an entity, asset, system, or network, organizational operations, individuals, geographic area, other organizations, or society, and includes determining the extent to which adverse circumstances or events could result in harmful consequences.
Definition: The process of identifying, analyzing, assessing, and communicating risk and accepting, avoiding, transferring or controlling it to an acceptable level considering associated costs and benefits of any actions taken.
Extended Definition: Includes: 1) conducting a risk assessment; 2) implementing strategies to mitigate risks; 3) continuous monitoring of risk over time; and 4) documenting the overall risk management program.
Related Term(s): enterprise risk management, integrated risk management, risk
Definition: A structured approach to managing risks to data and information by which an organization selects and applies appropriate security controls in compliance with policy and commensurate with the sensitivity and value of the data.
From: DHS personnel
rootkit
Definition: A set of software tools with administrator-level access privileges installed on an information system and designed to hide the presence of the tools, maintain the access privileges, and conceal the activities conducted by the tools.
From: CNSSI 4009
Letter: S
secret key
Definition: A cryptographic key that is used for both encryption and decryption, enabling the operation of a symmetric key cryptography scheme.
Extended Definition: Also, a cryptographic algorithm that uses a single key (i.e., a secret key) for both encryption of plaintext and decryption of ciphertext.
Related Term(s): symmetric key
From: CNSSI 4009
securely provision
Definition: A NICE Framework category consisting of specialty areas concerned with conceptualizing, designing, and building secure IT systems, with responsibility for some aspect of the systems’ development.
From: NICE Framework
security automation
Definition: The use of information technology in place of manual processes for cyber incident response and management.
From: DHS personnel
security incident
Synonym(s): incident
security policy
Definition: A rule or set of rules that govern the acceptable use of an organization’s information and services to a level of acceptable risk and the means for protecting the organization’s information assets.
Extended Definition: A rule or set of rules applied to an information system to provide security services.
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Manages information security (e.g., information security) implications within the organization, specific program, or other area of responsibility, to include strategic, personnel, infrastructure, policy enforcement, emergency planning, security awareness, and other resources (e.g., the role of a Chief Information Security Officer).
From: NICE Framework
signature
Definition: A recognizable, distinguishing pattern.
Extended Definition: Types of signatures: attack signature, digital signature, electronic signature.
From: CNSSI 4009; Adapted from: NIST SP 800-94
situational awareness
Definition: Comprehending information about the current and developing security posture and risks, based on information gathered, observation and analysis, and knowledge or experience.
Extended Definition: In cybersecurity, comprehending the current status and security posture with respect to availability, confidentiality, and integrity of networks, systems, users, and data, as well as projecting future states of these.
From: CNSSI 4009, DHS personnel, National Response Framework
software assurance
Definition: The level of confidence that software is free from vulnerabilities, either intentionally designed into the software or accidentally inserted at any time during its lifecycle, and that the software functions in the intended manner.
From: CNSSI 4009
software assurance and security engineering
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Develops and writes/codes new (or modifies existing) computer applications, software, or specialized utility programs following software assurance best practices.
From: NICE Framework
spam
Definition: The abuse of electronic messaging systems to indiscriminately send unsolicited bulk messages.
From: CNSSI 4009
spillage
Synonym(s): data spill, data breach
spoofing
Definition: Faking the sending address of a transmission to gain illegal [unauthorized] entry into a secure system.
Extended Definition: The deliberate inducement of a user or resource to take incorrect action. Note: Impersonating, masquerading, piggybacking, and mimicking are forms of spoofing.
From: CNSSI 4009
spyware
Definition: Software that is secretly or surreptitiously installed into an information system without the knowledge of the system user or owner.
Related Term(s): keylogger
From: CNSSI 4009, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4
strategic planning and policy development
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Applies knowledge of priorities to define an entity.
From: NICE Framework
subject
Definition: An individual, process, or device causing information to flow among objects or a change to the system state.
Extended Definition: An active entity.
Related Term(s): object, access, access control
From: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4., CNSSI 4009
supervisory control and data acquisition
Definition: A generic name for a computerized system that is capable of gathering and processing data and applying operational controls to geographically dispersed assets over long distances.
Related Term(s): Industrial Control System
From: NCSD Glossary, CNSSI 4009
supply chain
Definition: A system of organizations, people, activities, information and resources, for creating and moving products including product components and/or services from suppliers through to their customers.
Related Term(s): supply chain risk management
From: CNSSI 4009, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4
supply chain risk management
Definition: The process of identifying, analyzing, and assessing supply chain risk and accepting, avoiding, transferring or controlling it to an acceptable level considering associated costs and benefits of any actions taken.
Related Term(s): supply chain
From: DHS Risk Lexicon, CNSSD 505
symmetric cryptography
Definition: A branch of cryptography in which a cryptographic system or algorithms use the same secret key (a shared secret key).
From: CNSSI 4009, SANS
symmetric encryption algorithm
Synonym(s): symmetric cryptography
symmetric key
Definition: A cryptographic key that is used to perform both the cryptographic operation and its inverse, for example to encrypt plaintext and decrypt ciphertext, or create a message authentication code and to verify the code.
Extended Definition: Also, a cryptographic algorithm that uses a single key (i.e., a secret key) for both encryption of plaintext and decryption of ciphertext.
Related Term(s): secret key
From: CNSSI 4009
system administration
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Installs, configures, troubleshoots, and maintains server configurations (hardware and software) to ensure their confidentiality, integrity, and availability; also manages accounts, firewalls, and patches; responsible for access control, passwords, and account creation and administration.
From: NICE Framework
system integrity
Definition: The attribute of an information system when it performs its intended function in an unimpaired manner, free from deliberate or inadvertent unauthorized manipulation of the system.
Related Term(s): integrity, data integrity
From: CNSSI 4009
systems development
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Works on the development phases of the systems development lifecycle.
From: NICE Framework
systems requirements planning
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Consults with customers to gather and evaluate functional requirements and translates these requirements into technical solutions; provides guidance to customers about applicability of information systems to meet business needs.
From: NICE Framework
systems security analysis
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Conducts the integration/testing, operations, and maintenance of systems security.
From: NICE Framework
systems security architecture
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Develops system concepts and works on the capabilities phases of the systems development lifecycle; translates technology and environmental conditions (e.g., law and regulation) into system and security designs and processes.
From: NICE Framework
Letter: T
tabletop exercise
Definition: A discussion-based exercise where personnel meet in a classroom setting or breakout groups and are presented with a scenario to validate the content of plans, procedures, policies, cooperative agreements or other information for managing an incident.
From: NCSD Glossary, DHS Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program
tailored trustworthy space
Definition: A cyberspace environment that provides a user with confidence in its security, using automated mechanisms to ascertain security conditions and adjust the level of security based on the user’s context and in the face of an evolving range of threats.
From: National Science and Technology Council’s Trustworthy Cyberspace: Strategic Plan for the Federal Cybersecurity Research and Development Program
targets
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Applies current knowledge of one or more regions, countries, non-state entities, and/or technologies.
From: NICE Framework
technology research and development
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Conducts technology assessment and integration processes; provides and supports a prototype capability and/or evaluates its utility.
From: NICE Framework
test and evaluation
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Develops and conducts tests of systems to evaluate compliance with specifications and requirements by applying principles and methods for cost-effective planning, evaluating, verifying, and validating of technical, functional, and performance characteristics (including interoperability) of systems or elements of systems incorporating information technology.
From: NICE Framework
threat
Definition: A circumstance or event that has or indicates the potential to exploit vulnerabilities and to adversely impact (create adverse consequences for) organizational operations, organizational assets (including information and information systems), individuals, other organizations, or society.
Extended Definition: Includes an individual or group of individuals, entity such as an organization or a nation), action, or occurrence.
Definition: An individual, group, organization, or government that conducts or has the intent to conduct detrimental activities.
Related Term(s): adversary, attacker
From: DHS Risk Lexicon
threat analysis
Definition: The detailed evaluation of the characteristics of individual threats.
Extended Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Identifies and assesses the capabilities and activities of cyber criminals or foreign intelligence entities; produces findings to help initialize or support law enforcement and counterintelligence investigations or activities.
From: DHS personnel; From NICE Framework
threat assessment
Definition: The product or process of identifying or evaluating entities, actions, or occurrences, whether natural or man-made, that have or indicate the potential to harm life, information, operations, and/or property.
Definition: In access control, data that authenticates the identity of a client or a service and, together with a temporary encryption key (a session key), forms a credential.
From: IETF RFC 4120 Kerberos V5, July 2005; Conrad, E., Misenauer, S., & Feldman, J. (2010). CISSP® Study Guide. Burlington, MA: Syngress
traffic light protocol
Definition: A set of designations employing four colors (RED, AMBER, GREEN, and WHITE) used to ensure that sensitive information is shared with the correct audience.
From: US-CERT
trojan horse
Definition: A computer program that appears to have a useful function, but also has a hidden and potentially malicious function that evades security mechanisms, sometimes by exploiting legitimate authorizations of a system entity that invokes the program.
From: CNSSI 4009
Letter: U
unauthorized access
Definition: Any access that violates the stated security policy.
From: CNSSI 4009
Letter: V
virus
Definition: A computer program that can replicate itself, infect a computer without permission or knowledge of the user, and then spread or propagate to another computer.
Related Term(s): macro virus
From: CNSSI 4009
vulnerability
Definition: A characteristic or specific weakness that renders an organization or asset (such as information or an information system) open to exploitation by a given threat or susceptible to a given hazard.
Extended Definition: Characteristic of location or security posture or of design, security procedures, internal controls, or the implementation of any of these that permit a threat or hazard to occur. Vulnerability (expressing degree of vulnerability): qualitative or quantitative expression of the level of susceptibility to harm when a threat or hazard is realized.
Definition: In the NICE Framework, cybersecurity work where a person: Conducts assessments of threats and vulnerabilities, determines deviations from acceptable configurations, enterprise or local policy, assesses the level of risk, and develops and/or recommends appropriate mitigation countermeasures in operational and non-operational situations.
From: NICE Framework
Letter: W
weakness
Definition: A shortcoming or imperfection in software code, design, architecture, or deployment that, under proper conditions, could become a vulnerability or contribute to the introduction of vulnerabilities.
Definition: A group responsible for refereeing an engagement between a Red Team of mock attackers and a Blue Team of actual defenders of information systems.
Related Term(s): Blue Team, Red Team
From: CNSSI 4009
work factor
Definition: An estimate of the effort or time needed by a potential adversary, with specified expertise and resources, to overcome a protective measure.
From: CNSSI 4009
worm
Definition: A self-replicating, self-propagating, self-contained program that uses networking mechanisms to spread itself.
