Security Glossary

Security terms explained without technical jargon.

Penetration Test (Pentest)
A simulated attack on your systems to discover vulnerabilities. Like a fire drill, but for security.
Red Team
A comprehensive attack simulation that tests people, processes, and technology. A pentest without scope limitations.
Active Directory (AD)
Microsoft's system for managing users and computers in organizations. The backbone of most corporate networks.
NTLM Relay
An attack where an attacker intercepts authentication and uses it to access other systems.
Kerberos
Authentication protocol in AD environments. Powerful, but often misconfigured.
EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)
Security solution that monitors and responds to suspicious activities on computers.
SIEM (Security Information and Event Management)
System that collects and analyzes security logs from across the network.
IAM (Identity and Access Management)
Managing identities and access - who is who and what they're allowed to do.
MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)
Authentication with multiple factors - password plus something else (phone, key, fingerprint).
CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System)
Standardized system for scoring technical severity of vulnerabilities. Not the same as business risk.