The FREE Cybersecurity Glossary by Thor Pedersen!

Signature detection: A method of identifying known threats or malicious software by comparing their characteristics, such as code or behavior, to a database of known signatures. It is commonly used in antivirus software and other security tools to quickly identify and remove known threats. Examples include signature detection, used to identify and remove malware from a computer, signature detection used to detect and block phishing emails; and signature detection, used to identify and block malicious websites.

Signed Applet: A small, downloadable program once used within web browsers that has been digitally signed by the developer to confirm its source and integrity. Due to security concerns, modern browsers have phased out support for applets in favor of more secure and versatile technologies like HTML5 and WebAssembly.

Significant deficiency: A flaw or weakness in a system or control mechanism that could adversely affect the ability to achieve objectives, though not to the extent of a material weakness. In a security context, a significant deficiency could involve inadequate procedures, outdated security systems, or untrained staff that might render a system more vulnerable to security breaches or data loss. Identifying and addressing these deficiencies is crucial for maintaining robust security and mitigating potential risks.

Sign-on procedure: The process by which a user gains access to a system or network by identifying and authenticating themselves. It typically involves the user entering a unique identifier (such as a username or email address) and providing one or more forms of verification (like a password, biometric data, or a security token). The sign-on procedure ensures that access is granted only to authenticated users, serving as a fundamental security measure in protecting sensitive systems and data from unauthorized access.

Simple failover: A disaster recovery strategy where a backup system is automatically activated to take over the operations of a primary system during a failure or outage, ensuring continued availability and minimizing downtime. This approach is often used for systems with single points of failure, like web servers or database servers.

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP): The standard protocol to send emails across networks, SMTP is utilized by email servers to relay outgoing mails to the correct recipients' servers. Although it does not encrypt messages, SMTP ensures emails reach their destination but is frequently complemented by additional security measures for secure transmission.