Understand basic terminologies
To completely understand the importance of why strong cybersecurity matters, one must first become familiar with basic technological terminology. While not an exhaustive list, the following nine terms are important in gaining a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity.
- Network – A connection between two or more computers that makes communication and exchange of data possible.
- Internet – The global computer network made possible by dedicated routers and servers.
- Internet Protocol – A set of rules that controls the flow of data over the internet.
- IP (Internet Protocol) address – An address assigned to every device that connects to a computer network and uses Internet Protocol for communication. IP addresses are a unique string of numbers and may look something like 192.168.12.5.
- MAC (Media Access Control) address – A unique identification number assigned to every device that connects to the internet. Traditional MAC addresses are 12-digit hexadecimal numbers.
- DNS (Domain Name System) server – A computer or server that contains a database of IP addresses and the associated domain. A DNS server works like a phone book, transferring text names of internet sites (for example, microsoft.com) to the site's assigned IP address.
- DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) – A protocol that quickly and automatically assigns an IP address to a connected device on a network.
- Router – A device that routes data to the preferred destination. Routers are often considered the "traffic cops" of the internet.
- Bot – Short for "robot," a computer bot is a program that controls computers to simulate a human activity. Bots can be used to automate certain tasks without human intervention. Bots can also be programs that take over a computer without the user's knowledge.