The FREE Cybersecurity Glossary by Thor Pedersen!

Applet: A small, client-side program that is typically embedded within a web page to provide interactive features that execute in the context of a user's browser. Historically, Java applets were common, but due to various security concerns and the phasing out of plugin support by modern web browsers, the use of Java applets has declined significantly. Current web applications now favor using HTML5, JavaScript, or WebAssembly to create dynamic and interactive user experiences directly in the browser without the need for additional plugins.

Application: In the context of computing, an application refers to a software program that enables users to perform specific tasks or activities. Applications can range from large systems such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to smaller tools such as word processors or games. They are designed to interact with users and can manipulate data to produce desired outcomes based on the user's input and the application's own logic.

Application Acquisition Review: A process or a stage in the software procurement process where the suitability and security aspects of a software application are evaluated before its acquisition. The review can include checks for software's compliance with security standards, its compatibility with existing systems, potential vulnerabilities, and the reputation and reliability of the software vendor. The goal is to ensure the software meets the organization's requirements and doesn't introduce unacceptable risks.

Application Architecture: The high-level structure of a software application, encompassing the way its components interact and how they serve the user's needs. It involves designing the components and their relationships based on business requirements and constraints to ensure the application's functionality, performance, security, and manageability.

Application Aware Devices: These are devices that can identify, analyze, and act on specific applications and their data within a network. They are used in network security and performance management to provide granular visibility and control over applications. Examples include firewalls, load balancers, and intrusion prevention systems.

Application Benchmarking: The practice of testing an application under specific conditions to assess its performance characteristics, such as responsiveness, throughput, and resource usage. It allows the identification of bottlenecks or vulnerabilities in the system and provides a standard of performance against which future changes can be evaluated. This process aids in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and robustness of the application under various scenarios.