The FREE Cybersecurity Glossary by Thor Pedersen!

Virtual Private Cloud (VPC): A virtual network that provides a private and isolated environment in a public cloud infrastructure. It offers an organization control over network configurations, including IP address ranges, subnets, route tables, and network gateways, enabling it to launch resources in a defined virtual network, enhancing the organization's data privacy and security.

Virtual Private Network (VPN): A secure connection method used to add security and privacy to private and public networks. VPNs use encryption and other security mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access the network and that the data cannot be intercepted, offering secure communication over potentially insecure networks, such as the internet.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) Concentrator: A networking device that creates a secure end for multiple VPN connections, providing capabilities like data encryption and tunneling protocols. It is often used in scenarios where numerous VPN connections are required, such as for remote workers or multiple office locations, ensuring secure and efficient network access.

Virus: A type of malicious software that, when executed, replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code. Viruses can have harmful side effects, causing harm to system software by corrupting or destroying data, slowing down system performance, or giving attackers access to system resources.

Virus signature file: A file that contains the definitions and characteristics of known viruses, used by antivirus software to identify and block viruses. Virus signature files are used to protect computers and networks from virus attacks. Examples of virus signature files include virus definition files and virus pattern files.

Vishing: A fraudulent practice where perpetrators use a telephone system to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information. Often, these attackers pretend to represent legitimate organizations, using social engineering techniques to manipulate victims, gain their trust, and access their personal, financial, or security data.