Essential Cybersecurity Vocabulary and Key Terms

Common Cyberattacks and Threats

• Cyberattack: An attempt to damage or gain unauthorized access to systems — intento de dañar o acceder sin permiso
• Phishing: Fraudulent messages used to steal user credentials — mensajes falsos para robar datos
• Malware: Malicious software designed to harm systems — software que daña sistemas
• Ransomware: Malware that encrypts data and demands payment — programa que cifra datos y pide dinero

Advanced Attacker Techniques

• Lateral movement: Moving through a network to access other systems — moverse por la red para acceder a otros equipos
• Credential theft / harvesting: Stealing usernames and passwords — robo de usuarios y contraseñas
• Unauthorized access: Entering a system without permission — acceso sin permiso
• Social engineering: Manipulating people to reveal confidential information — engañar personas para obtener información

Core Systems and Network Infrastructure

• Internal network: A company’s private network — red privada de empresa
• Database: Structured storage of data — datos organizados
• Servers: Computers that provide services or resources — equipos que ofrecen servicios
• Website: An online platform accessible via the internet — página en internet

Data Protection and Information Security

• Customer data: Personal information about clients — datos personales de clientes
• Credentials: Login details (username and password) — datos de acceso
• Payment information: Financial data used for transactions — datos de pago
• Encrypted files: Data protected using encryption — datos protegidos
• Backups: Copies of data stored for recovery — copias de seguridad

Security Vulnerabilities and Weaknesses

• Weak passwords: Easily guessable passwords — contraseñas fáciles
• Lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA): Absence of extra login verification — sin verificación extra
• Insufficient training: Lack of user awareness or education — falta de formación
• Vulnerabilities: Weaknesses in a system’s security — fallos de seguridad

Incident Response and Defense Strategies

• Ethical hacking: Authorized testing of systems for security flaws — pruebas de seguridad autorizadas
• Security testing: Evaluating system security — evaluación de seguridad
• System administrators: IT professionals managing systems — gestores de sistemas
• Disconnecting servers: Isolating infected systems — aislar sistemas infectados
• Incident response: Actions taken after a cyberattack — respuesta a ataques
• Security measures: Protections implemented to prevent attacks — protecciones de seguridad

Financial Impact of Cyberattacks

• Cryptocurrency: Digital currency used for transactions — moneda digital
• Ransom payment: Money demanded by attackers — dinero exigido
• Financial loss: Economic damage caused by the attack — pérdida económica

Key Useful Expressions in Cybersecurity

• “Gain access to a system” — obtener acceso
• “Install malware” — instalar software malicioso
• “Move through the network” — moverse por la red
• “Encrypt files” — cifrar archivos
• “Restore backups” — restaurar copias
• “Recognize phishing attacks” — detectar phishing