Security hardening Wrap-up & Glossary terms from week 4

Terms and definitions from Course 3, Week 4

Baseline configuration (baseline image): A documented set of specifications within a system that is used as a basis for future builds, releases, and updates

Hardware: The physical components of a computer

Multi-factor authentication (MFA): A security measure which requires a user to verify their identity in two or more ways to access a system or network

Network log analysis: The process of examining network logs to identify events of interest 

Operating system (OS): The interface between computer hardware and the user

Patch update: A software and operating system update that addresses security vulnerabilities within a program or product

Penetration testing (pen test): A simulated attack that helps identify vulnerabilities in systems, networks, websites, applications, and processes 

Principle of least privilege: Access and authorization to information only last long enough to complete a task

Security hardening: The process of strengthening a system to reduce its vulnerabilities and attack surface

Security information and event management (SIEM): An application that collects and analyzes log data to monitors critical activities for an organization

World-writable file: A file that can be altered by anyone in the world