The FREE Cybersecurity Glossary by Thor Pedersen!

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.

Database Replication: A technique that involves maintaining copies of the same database on multiple computer systems. This is done not only to ensure data availability and durability but also as a measure of resilience in the face of technical failures or data breaches. If one server or database is compromised, operations can continue unaffected using the replicated databases, minimizing disruption and data loss.

Database System Vulnerabilities: The weaknesses in a database system that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access, disrupt operations, or manipulate data. Such vulnerabilities could stem from a variety of factors, including but not limited to software bugs, improper configurations, weak security controls, or lack of timely updates and patches. Identifying and mitigating these vulnerabilities is crucial in protecting the data held within the database system.

Data Manipulation Language (DML): A subset of SQL used to retrieve, insert, modify, and delete data in databases. DML includes commands such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE, enabling users to manage and manipulate data in relational database management systems.

DeCSS Program: A computer program designed to circumvent the Content Scramble System (CSS) used to encrypt and protect DVD content from unauthorized duplication and viewing. DeCSS program enabled users to bypass CSS and access the DVD content, leading to significant legal and ethical discussions about digital rights management and copyright infringement.