Exam vocabulary
CySA+ PathTerms™
123 plain-language terms mapped for CompTIA CySA+. Lists are Accumentum study aids based on our glossary and PathKey™ coverage, not a vendor blueprint reprint.
Showing 123 terms in a learn-these-first order.
- Assessment WorkflowsStructured processes to evaluate IT systems and practices for security, performance, or compliance, identifying risks and areas for improvement.
- Forwarder ManagementForwarder management is the strategic control of data forwarding mechanisms to ensure efficient and secure data flow across IT systems.
- IDS FundamentalsIntrusion Detection Systems (IDS) monitor for malicious activity and policy violations, alerting administrators to potential security threats.
- IDS IPS ConceptsIDS and IPS are network security tools that monitor traffic for threats, with IDS alerting and IPS actively blocking.
- Information Gathering and Vulnerability ScanningIdentify system weaknesses by collecting and analyzing data about target systems and networks.
- Problem Detection & ResolutionIdentify, analyze, and fix technology issues to maintain service availability and prevent disruptions.
- Security AssessmentA security assessment systematically evaluates an organization's systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities and risks.
- SOC ProcessesSOC Processes are the standardized procedures a Security Operations Center uses to detect, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity threats.
- Threat Intel & ReportingThreat intelligence and reporting is the collection and analysis of information about cyber threats to enable proactive defense.
- AgentforceAgentforce is the combined human and automated effort to manage, secure, and operate technology systems.
- Analysis: ScanningAnalysis: Scanning systematically examines data or systems to identify patterns, anomalies, or vulnerabilities using automated tools or manual techniques.
- Approval of FrameworkFormal endorsement of a proposed structure or methodology, ensuring alignment with goals and best practices before implementation.
- Cloud Security AssessmentA Cloud Security Assessment evaluates cloud environments for vulnerabilities, risks, and compliance gaps to ensure robust security.
- Creating Security DashboardsCreating Security Dashboards visualizes key security metrics and indicators for rapid threat assessment and incident response.
- Design security operationsDesign security operations is the framework for protecting digital assets and responding to security incidents.
- Detection & ResponseDetection and Response means identifying and acting on cybersecurity threats to minimize damage and maintain operations.
- Detection StrategyA Detection Strategy defines how an organization identifies security threats and policy violations within its systems and networks.
- Event TypesEvent Types categorize system occurrences like logins or errors, aiding in monitoring and response. Essential for security and operations.
- EvidenceEvidence is verifiable information supporting claims or decisions in technology, crucial for validation and informed decision-making.
- Evidence HandlingEvidence handling is the careful collection, preservation, and analysis of digital or physical evidence to maintain its integrity and admissibility.
- False positiveA false positive is when a security system mistakenly flags harmless activity as a threat, leading to unnecessary alerts or actions.
- GitHub Security Suites AdministrationManage integrated GitHub security features to automate scans, enforce compliance, and protect code throughout the development lifecycle.
- IDSAn Intrusion Detection System (IDS) monitors network traffic for malicious activity and alerts administrators to potential security breaches.
- Incident HandlingIncident handling is a structured approach to managing and responding to security breaches or cyberattacks, minimizing damage and restoring operations.
- Incident InteractionsIncident Interactions are the exchanges between people, systems, and processes during a security event, crucial for effective response.
- Incident response planAn incident response plan (IRP) is a documented set of procedures an organization follows when a security breach or cyberattack occurs.
- Intelligence SharingIntelligence Sharing is the organized exchange of threat and vulnerability information between organizations to improve collective security.
- InvestigationsInvestigations are systematic inquiries to uncover facts, identify root causes, and gather evidence for well-supported conclusions.
- Log AnalysisLog analysis is examining computer records to understand system behavior, detect anomalies, and gain insights.
- Mean time to respondMean time to respond MTTR measures the average time from detecting a security incident to starting remediation. It's vital for minimizing breach impact.
- Microsoft Sentinel SIEMMicrosoft Sentinel is a cloud-native SIEM and SOAR solution that unifies security data for threat detection and response.
- Monitoring and ResponseContinuously observing IT systems for issues and taking action when problems are detected to ensure stability and security.
- PlaybookA playbook is a documented guide for responding to specific events or threats, ensuring consistent and effective action.
- Playbook DevelopmentPlaybook development creates structured, step-by-step guides for IT operations, ensuring consistent and efficient responses to events.
- PrecisionPrecision in AI measures how accurately a model identifies relevant instances, minimizing false positives. It's key for reliable AI outcomes.
- Remediation RecommendationsActionable steps to fix identified security weaknesses and vulnerabilities, crucial for improving an organization's security posture.
- Security AutomationSecurity automation uses technology to streamline cybersecurity tasks, improving response times and reducing manual effort.
- Security Engineering: AutomationAutomating security tasks enhances efficiency, reduces errors, and speeds up threat response in complex IT environments.
- Security Operations: MonitoringContinuous observation and analysis of IT environments to detect and respond to security threats and anomalies.
- STIXSTIX is a standardized language for sharing cyber threat intelligence, enabling machine-readable descriptions of threats.
- True positiveA true positive is when a security system correctly identifies a genuine threat, triggering an appropriate response.
- Vulnerability ScanningVulnerability scanning automatically finds security weaknesses in systems and networks, helping to prevent exploitation.
- Vulnerability Scanning MethodsVulnerability scanning methods systematically identify weaknesses in systems, networks, and applications to proactively defend against cyber threats.
- Advanced AlertingAdvanced Alerting uses intelligent analysis to detect complex threats and anomalies, enabling proactive security and operational responses.
- Advanced Incident DetectionAdvanced Incident Detection uses sophisticated methods to identify subtle security breaches that simpler tools miss, enabling faster response and contai...
- Adversary BehaviorAdversary behavior describes the techniques, tactics, and procedures malicious actors use to compromise systems and achieve objectives.
- Alert fatigueAlert fatigue is when too many security alerts cause analysts to miss genuine threats, impacting cybersecurity effectiveness.
- Attack Methodology FrameworksStructured approaches for understanding, analyzing, and simulating adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures in cybersecurity.
- Attack Pattern RecognitionAttack Pattern Recognition identifies recurring malicious actor methods to proactively defend systems and data against cyber threats.
- AttestationAn Attestation is a cybersecurity concept you will see in blueprints, job posts, and architecture discussions.
- Blue teamA Blue team defends an organization's IT infrastructure against cyber threats, focusing on proactive defense, threat detection, and incident response.
- BroadcastBroadcast is a security and systems architecture concept defining a single point of truth or control for critical information or functions.
- Cloud ForensicsCloud forensics applies digital investigation techniques to cloud environments for incident response and evidence gathering.
- Cloud Posture SecurityCloud Posture Security continuously assesses and improves cloud environment security configurations and compliance.
- CompTIA CySA+CompTIA CySA+ is a professional certification topic covered in Accumentum training catalogs and PathKey™ guides.
- Cortex FundamentalsCortex Fundamentals are the core principles of Palo Alto Networks' XDR platform for unified threat detection and response.
- Cortex XDR Agent ConfigurationCortex XDR Agent Configuration defines the settings and policies for the Cortex XDR endpoint security agent, crucial for threat detection and response.
- Cortex XSIAMCortex XSIAM is an AI-driven platform that unifies security operations for faster threat detection and automated response.
- Cortex XSOARCortex XSOAR is a Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response platform that streamlines security operations.
- Defender XDRMicrosoft Defender XDR unifies security signals from endpoints, identities, email, and cloud for comprehensive threat detection and response.
- Defensible ArchitectureA Defensible Architecture is a system design that prioritizes clarity, simplicity, and auditability, making it easy to understand, manage, and secure.
- Design & Implement ProcessesDesign and Implement Processes creates structured workflows for IT systems to ensure consistency and efficiency.
- Detection EngineeringDetection Engineering builds systems to identify and alert on malicious activity, enabling rapid response to cyber threats.
- EDREndpoint detection and response EDR is a cybersecurity solution that continuously monitors endpoints for malicious activity, enabling real-time threat d...
- Ensuring solution and operations reliabilityEnsuring solution and operations reliability means designing, building, and maintaining systems that consistently perform as expected and recover gracef...
- Event Management (SIEM)SIEM aggregates and analyzes security data from diverse sources to detect threats and manage security incidents in real-time.
- Evidence and InterviewsEvidence and interviews are key to security investigations, involving collecting artifacts and talking to people to understand events.
- Exploitation WorkflowsExploitation workflows are systematic processes for identifying, analyzing, and leveraging system vulnerabilities.
- File & OS ForensicsFile and OS Forensics examines digital files and operating system artifacts to uncover evidence of malicious activity or system compromise.
- Forensic ToolsForensic tools are specialized software and hardware for digital evidence acquisition, preservation, analysis, and reporting.
- ForensicsDigital forensics is the science of collecting, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence to investigate cyber incidents and crimes.
- General Security ConceptsFundamental cybersecurity principles and practices that form the bedrock of secure systems and data protection.
- GuardDutyAmazon GuardDuty is a managed threat detection service that monitors AWS accounts for malicious activity and unauthorized behavior.
- Incident InvestigationIncident investigation is the process of analyzing security breaches to understand their root cause, scope, and impact.
- Indicators of compromiseIndicators of compromise (IOCs) are forensic data points that signal a potential security breach or ongoing cyberattack.
- Information Security Core CompetenciesFundamental knowledge and skills for protecting digital assets and systems, encompassing risk management, threat intelligence, and incident response.
- Information Systems OperationsInformation Systems Operations is the management and maintenance of IT infrastructure and services for optimal performance, availability, and security.
- Introduction to SplunkIntroduction to Splunk is foundational knowledge for using the Splunk platform for data management and analysis, essential for IT operations and cyberse...
- IoCIndicators of Compromise (IoCs) are forensic data points that reveal malicious activity on systems or networks.
- Logging for SecurityLogging for security is the collection and analysis of system event data to detect threats, investigate incidents, and identify vulnerabilities.
- Malicious Memory ArtifactsMalicious memory artifacts are residual data fragments left in RAM after malware execution, vital for digital forensics and incident response.
- manage teamsGuiding groups of people toward shared goals in technology settings, focusing on communication, roles, and collaboration for project success.
- MITRE ATT&CKMITRE ATT&CK is a globally accessible knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques based on real-world observations. It provides a common language an
- NDRNDR monitors network traffic for threats, enabling faster detection and response to cyber incidents.
- Network & Malware ForensicsInvestigating network traffic and malicious code to understand and respond to cybersecurity incidents.
- Network ForensicsNetwork forensics is the analysis of network traffic to detect and investigate security incidents, crucial for incident response and evidence gathering.
- Network Intrusion AnalysisNetwork Intrusion Analysis is the process of examining network traffic and logs to detect and investigate suspicious or malicious activity.
- NLPNatural Language Processing (NLP) lets computers understand and use human language, powering intelligent applications and data analysis.
- NTFS Artifact AnalysisNTFS Artifact Analysis involves examining residual data and metadata on Windows file systems for forensic and security purposes.
- Operational DesignOperational Design is the plan for deploying, managing, and maintaining technology systems throughout their lifecycle, ensuring reliability and efficiency.
- OpportunitiesOpportunities are potential areas for improvement, innovation, or growth identified through analysis or unmet needs.
- OT Threat IntelligenceOT threat intelligence provides insights into threats targeting industrial control systems, enabling proactive defense and improved security.
- Packet capturePacket capture (PCAP) is the process of intercepting and logging network traffic for analysis, vital for troubleshooting and security.
- Packet sniffingPacket sniffing intercepts and logs network traffic, enabling analysis of data packets for troubleshooting and security monitoring.
- PlaybooksA playbook is a documented set of procedures guiding teams through tasks, processes, or incident responses for consistency and efficiency.
- ProfilingProfiling is gathering and analyzing information about a target to understand its characteristics, behaviors, and vulnerabilities for better security.
- Red teamA Red team simulates cyberattacks to find organizational security weaknesses before real attackers do.
- Risk, Impact & AssuranceRisk, Impact & Assurance is a framework for evaluating threats, understanding consequences, and establishing controls to mitigate risks.
- Salary negotiationSalary negotiation is the process of discussing and agreeing on your compensation with an employer, ensuring fair pay for your skills and experience.
- Scanning and ExploitationScanning and Exploitation involves identifying and leveraging system vulnerabilities to assess security posture and understand potential attack vectors.
- Security Assessment and TestingSystematically evaluate information systems to find vulnerabilities, threats, and risks, strengthening your security posture.
- Security FoundationsSecurity Foundations covers the essential principles and practices for protecting digital assets and information, forming the bedrock of cybersecurity.
- Security fundamentalsSecurity fundamentals are the core principles and practices for protecting information systems and data from threats and unauthorized access.
- Security InformationSecurity Information is data collected and analyzed to protect digital assets, enabling informed decisions for proactive defense and incident response.
- Security Operations & AdministrationSecurity Operations and Administration involves the ongoing processes and management needed to maintain an organization's information system security po...
- Security Operations FundamentalsSecurity Operations Fundamentals covers the essential principles and practices for maintaining IT infrastructure security, including monitoring, detecti...
- SIEMA SIEM system aggregates and analyzes security data from across an organization to detect threats and anomalies.
- SIEM & MonitoringSIEM and monitoring integrates security and operational data for real-time threat detection and incident response.
- Sigma rulesSigma rules are open-source detection patterns for identifying malicious activity in log data, crucial for threat hunting and incident response.
- SOCA Security Operations Center (SOC) is a team and technology hub that monitors, detects, investigates, and responds to cyber threats.
- SOC ArchitectureSOC Architecture is the blueprint for designing and integrating Security Operations Center components for effective threat detection and response.
- SOC FundamentalsSOC Fundamentals are the essential principles and practices for operating a Security Operations Center to detect and respond to cyber threats.
- SOC WorkflowA SOC workflow is a standardized sequence of actions for detecting, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity threats.
- Splunk PerformanceSplunk Performance is about optimizing the speed and efficiency of your Splunk data platform for faster insights and operations.
- Threat huntingThreat hunting is the proactive search for hidden cyber threats that have evaded automated defenses.
- Threat Hunting with SplunkProactively search for hidden cyber threats using Splunk's advanced capabilities to strengthen your security posture.
- Threat intelligenceThreat intelligence is processed information about cyber threats, helping organizations understand and defend against attackers and their methods.
- Threat Intelligence ManagementThreat Intelligence Management is the process of collecting, analyzing, and acting upon information about current and potential cyber threats.
- Windows Artifact AnalysisExamine digital traces in Windows to reconstruct events, identify malicious actions, and support investigations.
- Windows ArtifactsWindows artifacts are traces of system and user activity on a Windows OS, vital for forensics and security analysis.
- YARAYARA is a tool for identifying and classifying malware using pattern-based rules, crucial for threat detection and incident response.
- Penetration testingPenetration testing is a simulated cyberattack to find security weaknesses before real attackers do.
- SOARSOAR integrates security tools and automates responses to threats, streamlining incident management and reducing manual effort.
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