The FREE Cybersecurity Glossary by Thor Pedersen!

Facilitated Risk Analysis Process (FRAP): A methodology for performing risk analysis and assessment within an organization. It is a qualitative risk management approach that involves identifying threats and vulnerabilities and then discussing potential impacts and countermeasures with the aim of prioritizing risks. FRAP is designed to be less time-consuming than quantitative risk analysis by focusing on the most critical assets and their most likely threats, facilitating the involvement of multiple stakeholders to reach a consensus on risk priorities and mitigation strategies. It provides a streamlined process that organizations can use to quickly identify and address their most significant risks.

FCoE (Fiber Channel over Ethernet): A protocol that allows Fiber Channel communications to run directly over high-speed Ethernet networks, combining the robust and established world of Fiber Channel with the versatility and ubiquity of Ethernet. This provides a unified fabric that carries both storage and network traffic, thus simplifying data center infrastructure and reducing costs.

Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS): Publicly announced standards developed by the United States federal government for use in computer systems by non-military government agencies and government contractors. FIPS standards are issued to establish requirements for various purposes, such as ensuring computer security and interoperability, and are intended to be adhered to both by the agencies themselves and any companies doing business with them. Among the well-known FIPS standards is FIPS 140, which specifies the security requirements for cryptographic modules used within a security system protecting sensitive but unclassified information.

FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum): A method of transmitting radio signals by rapidly switching a carrier among many frequency channels using a pseudorandom sequence known as the hopping pattern. This technique minimizes interference, enhances security through eavesdropping prevention, and supports code-divisional multiple access (CDMA) communications. To correctly receive the signal, the recipient must use the same hopping sequence.

Firewall as a Service (FWaaS): A cloud-based solution that delivers firewall and other network security capabilities as a cloud service. It enables organizations to simplify their network security management by moving their security perimeter to the cloud, which can offer more flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional on-premises firewall hardware. FWaaS typically includes features like intrusion prevention, URL filtering, and malware protection, and it is designed to protect both on-site and remote users in an increasingly decentralized IT landscape.

Fourth-generation language (4GL): These are types of programming languages that are more abstract and closer to human language compared to third-generation languages. 4GLs often focus on reducing programming effort and specificity and are geared towards solving business problems or database querying. Examples include SQL (Structured Query Language) for database interactions, ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming) used in SAP applications, Informix-4GL, and Progress 4GL, now known as OpenEdge Advanced Business Language. They enable developers to write code with higher-level constructs, and many provide capabilities for rapid application development, report generation, and data manipulation.