Commonly Used Cybersecurity Acronyms

Acronyms are everywhere in cybersecurity, and understanding them is vital to navigate technical documentation, compliance requirements, and industry conversations. We've consolidated a list of commonly used acronyms from our internal guides, NIST publications, and email communications to help you stay informed.

In today's digital landscape, understanding cybersecurity terminology isn't just for IT specialists. Small and midsize businesses face the same threats as larger companies but often with fewer resources to combat them. This guide breaks down the most important cybersecurity acronyms you'll encounter, helping you communicate more effectively with security professionals and make informed decisions about protecting your digital assets.

Cybersecurity Acronym Glossary

Below is a curated list of acronyms and their definitions. This glossary is sourced from documents such as the Assessment Guide, NIST IR publications, and insider threat manuals, as well as email exchanges with our team.

2FA/MFA

Two-Factor Authentication/Multi-Factor Authentication - Security processes requiring users to verify identity through multiple methods beyond just a password.

AES

Advanced Encryption Standard - A specification for the encryption of electronic data established by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology.

API

Application Programming Interface - A set of rules that allows programs to talk to each other.

APT

Advanced Persistent Threat - Sophisticated, targeted cyber attacks where unauthorized users gain and maintain long-term access to networks.

BYOD

Bring Your Own Device - Company policy allowing employees to use personal devices for work purposes, creating unique security challenges.

CASB

Cloud Access Security Broker - Software that sits between cloud service users and cloud applications to monitor activity and enforce security policies.

CDN

Content Delivery Network - A distributed platform of servers that helps minimize delays in loading web page content.

CISO

Chief Information Security Officer - Executive responsible for an entity's information and data security.

CIRP

Cyber Incident Response Plan - A documented approach to addressing and managing cybersecurity incidents.

CMMC

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification - A unified standard for implementing cybersecurity across the defense industrial base.

CRM

Customer Relationship Management - Systems used to manage customer data and interactions.

CSIRT

Computer Security Incident Response Team - A group responsible for receiving, reviewing, and responding to computer security incident reports.

CSRM

Cybersecurity Risk Management - The process of identifying, analyzing, evaluating, and addressing cybersecurity risks.

CVSS

Common Vulnerability Scoring System - A framework for rating the severity of computer system security vulnerabilities.

DDoS

Distributed Denial of Service - Attack that floods systems, servers, or networks with traffic to disrupt service.

DFARS

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement - A set of cybersecurity regulations for defense contractors.

DKIM

DomainKeys Identified Mail - An email authentication method designed to detect email spoofing.

DMARC

Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance - An email authentication protocol that builds on SPF and DKIM protocols.

DNS

Domain Name System - The naming system for computers and services connected to the internet or private network.

EDR

Endpoint Detection and Response - Tools that continuously monitor endpoints to detect and respond to cyber threats.

FMEA

Failure Mode Effects Analysis - A step-by-step approach for identifying potential failures in a system or process.

GDPR

General Data Protection Regulation - European Union regulation on data protection and privacy.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act - U.S. legislation that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information.

IAM

Identity and Access Management - Framework of policies ensuring appropriate access to resources.

IDS/IPS

Intrusion Detection System/Intrusion Prevention System - Security technologies that examine network traffic flows to detect and prevent vulnerability exploits.

IoT

Internet of Things - Network of physical objects embedded with sensors and software connecting to the internet.

KPI

Key Performance Indicator - Measurable values that demonstrate how effectively objectives are being achieved.

MDM

Mobile Device Management - Software that allows IT administrators to control, secure, and enforce policies on smartphones, tablets, and other devices.

MSSP

Managed Security Service Provider - Companies offering outsourced monitoring and management of security systems.

NIST

National Institute of Standards and Technology - Agency that develops cybersecurity standards and guidelines.

OpRisk

Operational Risk - Risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people, and systems.

OWASP

Open Web Application Security Project - Online community that produces freely-available articles, methodologies, documentation, tools, and technologies in the field of web application security.

PCI DSS

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard - Information security standard for handling credit card data.

PHI

Protected Health Information - Individually identifiable health information protected under HIPAA.

PII

Personally Identifiable Information - Data that could potentially identify a specific individual.

QBR

Quarterly Business Review - Regular assessment of business performance and planning sessions.

RBAC

Role-Based Access Control - Method of restricting system access to authorized users based on roles.

RMF

Risk Management Framework - A structured approach used to identify, assess, and manage risk.

RMM

Remote Monitoring and Management - Software used by managed service providers to remotely and proactively monitor client endpoints, networks, and computers.

SaaS

Software as a Service - Software licensing and delivery model in which software is licensed on a subscription basis and centrally hosted.

SIEM

Security Information and Event Management - Software providing real-time analysis of security alerts.

SOC

Security Operations Center - Facility where security professionals monitor, analyze, and protect against cybersecurity threats.

SPF

Sender Policy Framework - Email authentication method designed to detect forging sender addresses during the delivery of the email.

SQL

Structured Query Language - Programming language used to communicate with databases, often targeted in injection attacks.

SSO

Single Sign-On - Authentication process that allows a user to access multiple applications with one set of login credentials.

TLS

Transport Layer Security - Cryptographic protocol designed to provide communications security over a computer network.

VLAN

Virtual Local Area Network - A logical subnetwork that groups a collection of devices from different physical LANs.

VPN

Virtual Private Network - Encrypted connection that shields your online activity from others.

WAF

Web Application Firewall - A firewall that filters, monitors, and blocks HTTP/S traffic to and from a web application.

XDR

Extended Detection and Response - Security approach that unifies multiple security products into a cohesive security system.

ZTA

Zero Trust Architecture - Security model requiring strict identity verification for everyone accessing resources, regardless of position.

Zero-day

Security flaw unknown to the software vendor that hackers can exploit before it's patched.

Why Understanding These Acronyms Matters

For small and midsize businesses, cybersecurity knowledge translates directly to risk management. When you understand these terms, you can:

• Communicate effectively with IT security professionals
• Make more informed decisions about security investments
• Better understand compliance requirements affecting your industry
• Assess potential vulnerabilities in your current setup
• Develop more comprehensive security policies

How to Use This Glossary

Bookmark this page or integrate these acronyms into your internal documentation. Understanding these terms can improve communication across teams and help with onboarding new staff or clients.

Consider creating flashcards from these acronyms for team training sessions, or include them in your security awareness program. Regular exposure to these terms will help staff become more comfortable with cybersecurity concepts.

Taking Action: Next Steps for Your Business

Knowledge of terminology is just the beginning. Here are practical steps to improve your cybersecurity posture:

• Conduct a security assessment using these terms as a framework
• Identify which security measures are most critical for your specific operations
• Consider working with an MSSP if in-house expertise is limited
• Implement at least basic protections like MFA and endpoint security
• Develop an incident response plan before you need it

Real-World Impact

Our clients often reference this glossary during audits, tabletop exercises, and policy development. Having a shared understanding of terminology helps reduce confusion and ensures alignment across departments.

As cyber threats continue evolving, staying informed about cybersecurity terminology helps your business maintain resilience against increasingly sophisticated attacks. While large corporations may have extensive security teams, small and midsize companies can achieve comparable protection by understanding and implementing these fundamental concepts.

Need Help with Cybersecurity Documentation?

Contact STACK Cybersecurity for assistance in building glossaries, policy templates, and training materials tailored to your business. We specialize in making complex cybersecurity concepts accessible and actionable.

Website: stackcyber.com
Email: digital@stackcyber.com
Phone: (734) 744-5300