The FREE Cybersecurity Glossary by Thor Pedersen!

Salt: A random string of characters added to a password before it is hashed. It is used in cryptography to make it more difficult for attackers to crack hashed passwords. Examples of salt include adding a string of random numbers to a password before it is hashed or using a unique salt for each password in a database.

Sampling risk: The risk that a sample of data used for analysis may not be representative of the population from which it was drawn. It is often used in statistical analysis to evaluate the potential for bias in data samples. Examples of sampling risk include using a sample that is too small to accurately represent the population or using a sample that is not randomly selected.

Sandbox: A controlled environment used for testing or running potentially dangerous or suspicious code. It is used in cybersecurity to prevent malicious software from damaging systems or networks. Examples include a web browser's sandbox for running untrusted code, a malware analysis sandbox for studying malware behavior, and a network sandbox for testing new security protocols.

Sanitize: The process of removing or neutralizing sensitive data or information from a system or database to protect privacy and prevent unauthorized access. Examples include removing personally identifiable information from a database before sharing it, wiping a computer's hard drive before disposal, and sanitizing sensitive documents.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX): Legislation enacted to enhance financial transparency and combat corporate fraud. SOX imposes strict auditing and financial regulations on public companies. Part of its mandate includes requirements for reporting on the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, which has significant implications for IT security and data integrity.

SAST (Static Application Security Testing): A type of security testing that analyzes an application's source code or binaries without executing the application. It helps identify security vulnerabilities early in the development process before deployment, using methods like code reviews, automated scanning, and manual testing.