Cybersecurity 101

SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is an open-standard, XML-based protocol used for exchanging authentication and authorization data between parties, primarily to enable single sign-on (SSO).

Stands for Software-Defined Wide Area Network. A virtualized approach to managing wide area networks. It connects users, offices, and remote sites to applications across multiple transport types. It centralizes control, allowing for dynamic traffic steering, automated routing, and improved agility for cloud-based applications.

A cloud-based framework that converges networking (like SD-WAN) and security functions (like Secure Web Gateway, CASB, Firewall as a Service, Zero Trust Network Access) into a single, unified service to securely connect users, devices, and applications anywhere.

A cybersecurity solution that filters Internet traffic between users and the web. When a user tries to visit a website, their request is first sent to the SWG, which checks the request against defined policies based on corporate and regulatory requirements. SWGs are insufficient as stand-alone solutions and need to be part of a larger, layered, zero trust defense strategy.

A security team that acts as an organization's central command, bringing together its entire IT infrastructure. High costs, complexity, and staff-intensive requirements make deploying an internal SOS unrealistic for all but the largest enterprises. Managed service providers (MSPs) are key to providing critical SOC services for smaller and mid-market businesses.

A cloud-based model that converges key security services like (ZTNA, SWG, CASB) to secure access to web, cloud, and private applications, crucial for hybrid work and cloud environments. Protects users, devices, and data regardless of location, and is considered a security component of the broader SASE framework. 

When users install and use devices and unapproved SaaS apps, increasing data exposure.

Stands for Security Information and Event Management. Provides real-time analysis of security alerts from applications and network hardware. The main downsides of SIEM products are their complexity and high cost, leading to difficult setup, alert fatigue, significant resource needs (expertise, hardware), and long deployment times. XDR is the smarter choice for MSPs and lean IT teams.

Ability to identify threats by comparing system activity to a database of known attack patterns (signatures) to detect malicious behavior. The weakness of signature-based detection is that modern threats mostly rely on techniques that are not recognized by signatures alone.

An authentication method in which one login (typically with username and password) allows access to multiple applications and services, providing convenience for users and better and centralized oversight for IT teams.

Stands for Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response. A technology that unifies security tools, automates repetitive tasks, and orchestrates incident response workflows to help security teams manage threats more efficiently, reducing manual effort and improving response times.

An attack that psychologically manipulates people into clicking malicious links, opening infected attachments, or revealing passwords. Particularly effective because it targets the human element, bypassing firewalls and other security mechanisms.

A cloud-based model where software applications are delivered over the Internet, typically via a web browser, on a subscription basis, with the provider managing all underlying infrastructure, maintenance, and updates.

WatchGuard security service that provides real-time, continuous, and highly reliable protection from spam and phishing attempts.

A type of targeted phishing attack where the attacker uses gathered details about the targeted victim to increase the credibility of the attack message.

The act of disguising a communication so that it appears to come from a trusted, legitimate source. Attackers manipulate identifying information to deceive recipients and security systems.

Malicious software that secretly enters your device, gathers your personal information (like passwords, browsing habits, financial details) without your consent, and sends it to third parties.

The process of inputting SQL queries into a data field and tricking the backend database into divulging data not intended to be outputted.