General Security

What is cipher block chaining? Cipher Block Chaining (CBC) is a mode of operation for block ciphers (like AES or DES) that improves security by making the encryption of each block dependent on the previous one. It helps prevent patterns in plaintext from appearing in ciphertext, which could otherwise be exploited by attackers. When Is…

What is JIT access? JIT access is a security strategy that grants temporary, time-bound access to systems, applications, or data only when needed, and only for as long as needed — instead of giving users or systems standing (persistent) access. Why JIT Access Matters Traditional access control often gives users or services long-term privileges “just…

What is a machine identity? A machine identity is a digital identity assigned to a non-human entity — such as a computer, server, application, virtual machine, container, or IoT device — that allows it to securely communicate, authenticate, and perform tasks over a network. Why Machine Identities Matter Just like people use usernames and passwords,…

What is an elliptic curve cryptosystem? An Elliptic Curve Cryptosystem (ECC) is a type of public key cryptography based on the algebraic structure of elliptic curves over finite fields. It’s used to secure digital communications by providing encryption, digital signatures, and key exchange — just like RSA, but with much smaller keys and better efficiency.…

What is a digital identity? A digital identity is a collection of electronic information that represents a person, device, or organization within digital systems. It’s what allows users or devices to authenticate, gain access, and interact securely across networks, applications, and services. Key Components of a Digital Identity Depending on the context, a digital identity…

What is a non-human entity? A non-human entity (NHE) in cybersecurity and identity management refers to anything that interacts with digital systems but isn’t a person. These entities still need identities and permissions—just like users—but they operate automatically or programmatically. Why non-human entities matter in cybersecurity Just like human users, non-human entities can be exploited…

What Is a Wildcard SSL Certificate and How Does It Work? A wildcard SSL certificate is a type of digital certificate used to secure a domain and all of its first-level subdomains with a single certificate. This is particularly useful for businesses or organizations that manage multiple subdomains under the same parent domain. How It…

What is FIPS? FIPS stands for Federal Information Processing Standards. These are publicly announced standards developed by the U.S. federal government to ensure that computer systems and data used by federal agencies meet specific security and interoperability requirements. In simple terms: FIPS defines how sensitive government data must be protected — especially when it comes…

What is machine learning? Machine learning (ML) is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that enables computers to learn from data and improve over time without being explicitly programmed. In Simple Terms: Instead of writing code with rules for every scenario, you give the machine examples (data), and it learns patterns to make predictions or…

What is a Secure Web Gateway and How Does It Work? A Secure Web Gateway (SWG) is a cybersecurity solution that protects users from web-based threats and enforces corporate security policies when users access the internet. It acts as a filter or checkpoint between users and the internet, inspecting web traffic to block malicious websites,…

What is hybrid encryption?                   Hybrid encryption is a cryptographic method that combines the strengths of both symmetric and asymmetric encryption to provide efficient and secure communication. This approach leverages the speed of symmetric encryption and the security of asymmetric encryption. Here’s a detailed explanation of how hybrid encryption works and its benefits:  How Hybrid…

What is security orchestration automation, and response (SOAR)? Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) is a cybersecurity approach that integrates and automates security processes, enabling organizations to detect, analyze, and respond to threats more efficiently. Key Components of SOAR: Security Orchestration – Connects various security tools and systems to streamline workflows and improve threat intelligence…