The FREE Cybersecurity Glossary by Thor Pedersen!

Orphaned software: A program or application that's no longer supported or updated by its creators or maintainers. This can pose a serious risk as new vulnerabilities discovered in the software cannot be patched, potentially leaving systems susceptible to exploits. Organizations often replace orphaned software with supported alternatives to mitigate this risk.

OS hardening: Operating system (OS) hardening is the practice of securing an OS by reducing its surface area of vulnerability, which includes the disabling of unnecessary services, protecting against unauthorized access, applying patches, and enforcing the principle of least privilege. It's a crucial step during initial system setup and an ongoing policy in maintaining robust security postures, as it helps create a more secure environment that is less susceptible to cyber threats.

OSI Reference Model: An abstract description for layered network protocol design. It consists of seven separate but related layers, each defining a part of the process of moving information across a network. This layering concept allows for the separation of concerns, facilitating interoperability and standardization of network protocols within their respective layers.

Outcome-based Risk Perspective: An outcome-based risk perspective in risk management focuses on understanding the consequences of risks and their effects on an organization's objectives. It is used to prioritize risks based on their potential impact on critical business processes or outcomes rather than merely their probability and to allocate resources effectively to the most significant threats. In cybersecurity, this approach helps organizations concentrate their efforts on protecting essential assets and implementing controls that significantly reduce the risk to their most critical operations.

Out-of-band (OOB): A method of transmitting information using a separate communication channel from the primary data channel. It is commonly used in networking and cybersecurity to provide alternative access to systems and networks in case of failures or other emergency situations. Examples of OOB communication include dial-up modems and satellite links.

Outsourcing: The practice of contracting with external organizations or individuals to perform services or tasks that are typically performed in-house. It is commonly used to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and access specialized expertise. Examples of outsourcing include IT support and payroll processing.