The FREE Cybersecurity Glossary by Thor Pedersen!

Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE): The use of computer-based tools to support the development, testing, and maintenance of software. It is used to automate and streamline the software development process and to improve the quality and reliability of software. Examples of CASE tools include modeling tools, code generation tools, and testing tools.

Computer-Assisted Audit Technique (CAAT): A set of tools and techniques used by auditors to analyze an organization's data with software, improving efficiency and accuracy in audit processes. CAATs include data extraction and analysis tools, which can automate procedures to identify anomalies or patterns in data related to financial statements or compliance.

Counter (CTR) Mode: An encryption mode that transforms a block cipher into a stream cipher. It operates by encrypting successive values of a "counter" and then XORing the output with the plaintext to produce the ciphertext. The counter value is incremented for each subsequent block, ensuring a unique sequence for each encryption. This mode allows for random access to encrypted data blocks and can provide high levels of security when implemented correctly. Additionally, CTR mode allows for parallel processing of blocks, which enhances performance.

Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol (CCMP): A security protocol used in wireless networks to encrypt data and ensure its authenticity. It is a combination of the AES encryption algorithm and the CCM mode of operation, which provides both confidentiality and integrity for data transmitted over a wireless network.

Database Activity Monitoring (DAM): A security technology that continuously monitors, records, and analyzes database activity in real-time. DAM is used to detect and prevent unauthorized or malicious actions within databases, alerting security teams to potential threats or policy violations. This technology helps in ensuring database security, compliance with data protection regulations, and operational integrity of database environments. DAM solutions typically provide functionalities such as real-time monitoring, alert generation, transaction log analysis, and automated response mechanisms.

Database Management System (DBMS): A software system that uses a standard method of cataloging, retrieving, and running queries on data. The DBMS manages incoming data, organizes it, and provides ways for the data to be modified or extracted by users or other programs. DBMSs are a crucial tool for handling large amounts of data across different industries and are central to the fields of databases and information systems. Examples include relational databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Microsoft SQL Server, as well as NoSQL databases like MongoDB and Cassandra.