The FREE Cybersecurity Glossary by Thor Pedersen!

Machine learning: A type of artificial intelligence that involves the use of algorithms and statistical models to enable computers to improve their performance on a specific task without being explicitly programmed. It is used in a variety of industries, such as finance, healthcare, and retail, to improve decision-making and automate processes. For example, a credit card company may use machine learning to detect fraudulent transactions.

MAC (Media Access Control) Address: A unique identifier that is assigned to a network interface on a device. It is used to identify and communicate with devices on a network. Examples include the MAC address of a network card, a wireless adapter, or a Bluetooth device.

Macro Virus: A type of malware that spreads through infected documents or files containing macro commands. It automates actions to perform malicious tasks, such as deleting files or stealing sensitive information. Examples include the Melissa virus, which spread through email attachments.

Magnetic card reader: A device that reads the information stored on a magnetic strip or magnetic stripe card. It is used in various industries, such as financial services and transportation, to authenticate users and access information. Examples include ATM card readers and credit card swipe machines.

Magnetic Remanence: The residual magnetization left on a storage medium, such as a hard disk or magnetic tape, even after attempts to erase the data. This property can allow previously stored data to be recovered, posing security challenges when disposing of or repurposing storage devices. Methods like degaussing can reduce magnetic remanence to protect sensitive information.

Mail relay server: A server that acts as an intermediary in the transmission of emails between the sender's and recipient's mail servers. It facilitates the routing and delivery of messages to ensure they reach their intended destination.