CISA Glossary Flashcards
(198 cards)
1
Q
Abend
A
An abnormal end to a computer job; termination of a task prior to its completion because of an error condition that cannot be resolved by recovery facilities while the task is executing
2
Q
Access control
A
The processes, rules and deployment mechanisms that control access to information systems, resources and physical access to premises
3
Q
Access control list (ACL)
A
An internal computerized table of access rules regarding the levels of computer access permitted to logon IDs and computer terminals. Also referred to as access control tables.
4
Q
Access control table
A
An internal computerized table of access rules regarding the levels of computer access permitted to logon IDs and computer terminals
5
Q
Access method
A
The technique used for selecting records in a file, one at a time, for processing, retrieval or storage. The access method is related to, but distinct from, the file organization, which determines how the records are stored.
6
Q
Access path
A
The logical route an end user takes to access computerized information. Typically, it includes a route through the operating system, telecommunications software, selected application software and the access control system.
7
Q
Access rights
A
The permission or privileges granted to users, programs or workstations to create, change, delete or view data and files within a system, as defined by rules established by data owners and the information security policy
8
Q
Access servers
A
Provides centralized access control for managing remote access dial-up services
9
Q
Address
A
Within computer storage, the code used to designate the location of a specific piece of data
10
Q
Address space
A
The number of distinct locations that may be referred to with the machine address. For most binary machines, it is equal to 2n, where n is the number of bits in the machine address.
11
Q
Addressing
A
The method used to identify the location of a participant in a network. Ideally, addressing specifies where the participant is located rather than who they are (name) or how to get there (routing).
12
Q
Administrative controls
A
The rules, procedures and practices dealing with operational effectiveness, efficiency and adherence to regulations and management policies
13
Q
Adware
A
A software package that automatically plays, displays or downloads advertising material to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. In most cases, this is done without any notification to the user or without the user’s consent. The term adware may also refer to software that displays advertisements, whether or not it does so with the user’s consent; such programs display advertisements as an alternative to shareware registration fees. These are classified as adware in the sense of advertising supported software, but not as spyware. Adware in this form does not operate surreptitiously or mislead the user, and provides the user with a specific service
14
Q
Alpha
A
The use of alphabetic characters or an alphabetic character string
15
Q
Alternative routing
A
A service that allows the option of having an alternate route to complete a call when the marked destination is not available. In signaling, alternate routing is the process of allocating substitute routes for a given signaling traffic stream in case of failure(s) affecting the normal signaling links or routes of that traffic stream
16
Q
Analog
A
A transmission signal that varies continuously in amplitude and time, and is generated in wave formation. Analog signals are used in telecommunications
17
Q
Anonymous File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
A
A method for downloading public files using the File Transfer Protocol. Anonymous FTP is called anonymous because users do not need to identify themselves before accessing files from a particular server. In general, users enter the word “anonymous” when the host prompts for a username; anything can be entered for the password such as the user’s email address or simply the word “guest.” In many cases, an anonymous FTP site will not even prompt users for a name and password
18
Q
Antivirus software
A
An application software deployed at multiple points in an IT architecture. It is designed to detect and potentially eliminate virus code before damage is done and repair or quarantine files that have already been infected.
19
Q
Applet
A
A program written in a portable, platform independent computer language such as Java, JavaScript or Visual Basic. An applet is usually embedded in a Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) page downloaded from web servers and then executed by a browser on client machines to run any web-based application (e.g., generate web page input forms, run audio/video programs, etc.). Applets can only perform a restricted set of operations, thus preventing, or at least minimizing, the possible security compromise of the host computers. However, applets expose the user’s machine to risk if not properly controlled by the browser, which should not allow an applet to access a machine’s information without prior authorization of the user
20
Q
Application
A
A computer program or set of programs that perform the processing of records for a specific function. Contrasts with systems programs, such as an operating system or network control program, and with utility programs, such as copy or sort
21
Q
Application layer
A
In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model, the application layer provides services for an application program to ensure that effective communication with another application program in a network is possible. The application layer is not the application that is doing the communication; a service layer that provides these services
22
Q
Application program
A
A program that processes business data through activities such as data entry, update or query. Contrasts with systems programs, such as an operating system or network control program, and with utility programs such as copy or sort
23
Q
Application programming interface (API)
A
A set of routines, protocols and tools referred to as “building blocks” used in business application software development. A good API makes it easier to develop a program by providing all the building blocks related to functional characteristics of an operating system that applications need to specify, for example, when interfacing with the operating system (e.g., provided by Microsoft Windows, different versions of UNIX). A programmer utilizes these APIs in developing applications that can operate effectively and efficiently on the platform chosen
24
Q
Application software tracing and mapping
A
Specialized tools that can be used to analyze the flow of data through the processing logic of the application software and document the logic, paths, control conditions and processing sequences. Both the command language or job control statements and programming language can be analyzed. This technique includes program/system: mapping, tracing, snapshots, parallel simulations and code comparisons
25
Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
The area of the central processing unit that performs mathematical and analytical operations
26
Artificial intelligence
Advanced computer systems that can simulate human capabilities, such as analysis, based on a predetermined set of rules
27
Assembler
A program that takes as input a program written in assembly language and translates it into machine code or machine language
28
Asymmetric key (public key)
A cipher technique in which different cryptographic keys are used to encrypt and decrypt a message
29
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
A high-bandwidth low-delay switching and multiplexing technology that allows integration of real-time voice and video as well as data. It is a data link layer protocol. ATM is a protocol-independent transport mechanism. It allows high-speed data transfer rates at up to 155 Mbit/s. The acronym ATM should not be confused with the alternate usage for ATM, which refers to an automated teller machine
30
Asynchronous transmission
Character-at-a-time transmission
31
Attribute sampling
An audit technique used to select items from a population for audit testing purposes based on selecting all those items that have certain attributes or characteristics (such as all items over a certain size)
32
Audit objective
The specific goal(s) of an audit. These often center on substantiating the existence of internal controls to minimize business risk.
33
Audit risk
The probability that information or financial reports may contain material errors and that the auditor may not detect an error that has occurred
34
Audit trail
A visible trail of evidence enabling one to trace information contained in statements or reports back to the original input source
35
Authentication
The act of verifying the identity of a user and the user's eligibility to access computerized information. Authentication is designed to protect against fraudulent logon activity. It can also refer to the verification of the correctness of a piece of data
36
Backbone
The main communications channel of a digital network. The part of the network that handles the major traffic. Employs the highest-speed transmission paths in the network and may also run the longest distances. Smaller networks are attached to the backbone, and networks that connect directly to the end user or customer are called “access networks.” A backbone can span a geographic area of any size from a single building to an office complex to an entire country. Or, it can be as small as a backplane in a single cabinet.
37
Backup
Files, equipment, data and procedures available for use in the event of a failure or loss, if the originals are destroyed or out of service
38
Bandwidth
The range between the highest and lowest transmittable frequencies. It equates to the transmission capacity of an electronic line and is expressed in bytes per second or Hertz (cycles per second).
39
Bar code
A printed machine-readable code that consists of parallel bars of varied width and spacing
40
Base case
A standardized body of data created for testing purposes. Users normally establish the data. Base cases validate production application systems and test the ongoing accurate operation of the system.
41
Batch control
Correctness checks built into data processing systems and applied to batches of input data, particularly in the data preparation stage. There are two main forms of batch controls: sequence control, which involves consecutively numbering the records in a batch so that the presence of each record can be confirmed, and control total, which is a total of the values in selected fields within the transactions.
42
Batch processing
The processing of a group of transactions at the same time. Transactions are collected and processed against the master files at a specified time
43
Bayesian filter
A method often employed by antispam software to filter spam based on probabilities. The message header and every word or number are each considered a token and given a probability score. Then the entire message is given a spam probability score. A message with a high score will be flagged as spam and discarded, returned to its sender or put in a spam directory for further review by the intended recipient
44
Benchmarking
A systematic approach to comparing organization performance against peers and competitors in an effort to learn the best ways of conducting business. Examples include benchmarking of quality, logistic efficiency and various other metrics
45
Binary code
A code whose representation is limited to 0 and 1
46
Biometrics
A security technique that verifies an individual's identity by analyzing a unique physical attribute such as a handprint
47
Black box testing
A testing approach that focuses on the functionality of the application or product and does not require knowledge of the code intervals
48
Broadband
Multiple channels are formed by dividing the transmission medium into discrete frequency segments. Broadband generally requires the use of a modem
49
Bridge
A device that connects two similar networks together
50
Brouters
Devices that perform the functions of both a bridge and a router. A brouter operates at both the data link and the network layers. It connects same data link type local area network (LAN) segments as well as different data link ones, which is a significant advantage. Like a bridge, it forwards packets based on the data link layer address to a different network of the same type. Also, whenever required, it processes and forwards messages to a different data link type network based on the network protocol address. When connecting same data link type networks, it is as fast as a bridge and is able to connect different data link type networks.
51
Buffer
Memory reserved to temporarily hold data to offset differences between the operating speeds of different devices, such as a printer and a computer. In a program, buffers are reserved areas of random access memory (RAM) that hold data while they are being processed
52
Bus
Common path or channel between hardware devices. Can be located between components internal to a computer or between external computers in a communications network
53
Bus configuration
All devices (nodes) are linked along one communication line where transmissions are received by all attached nodes. This architecture is reliable in very small networks, as well as easy to use and understand. This configuration requires the least amount of cable to connect the computers together and, therefore, is less expensive than other cabling arrangements. It is also easy to extend, and two cables can be easily joined with a connector to make a longer cable for more computers to join the network. A repeater can also be used to extend a bus configuration
54
Business case
Documentation of the rationale for making a business investment, used both to support a business decision on whether to proceed with the investment and as an operational tool to support management of the investment through its full economic life cycle
55
Business continuity plan (BCP)
A plan used by an organization to respond to disruption of critical business processes. Depends on the contingency plan for restoration of critical systems
56
Business impact analysis (BIA)
A process to determine the impact of losing the support of any resource. The BIA assessment study will establish the escalation of that loss over time. It is predicated on the fact that senior management, when provided reliable data to document the potential impact of a lost resource, can make the appropriate decision
57
Business process reengineering (BPR)
The thorough analysis and significant redesign of business processes and management systems to establish a better performing structure, more responsive to the customer base and market conditions, while yielding material cost savings
58
Business risk
A probable situation with uncertain frequency and magnitude of loss (or gain)
59
Bypass label processing (BLP)
A technique of reading a computer file while bypassing the internal file/data set label. This process could result in bypassing of the security access control system
60
Capability Maturity Model (CMM)
CMM for software, from the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), is a model used by many organizations to identify best practices useful in helping them assess and increase the maturity of their software development processes
61
Central processing unit (CPU)
Computer hardware that houses the electronic circuits that control/direct all operations of the computer system
62
Certificate (certification) authority (CA)
A trusted third party that serves authentication infrastructures or organizations and registers entities and issues them certificates
63
Certificate revocation list (CRL)
An instrument for checking the continued validity of the certificates for which the certification authority (CA) has responsibility. The CRL details digital certificates that are no longer valid. The time gap between two updates is very critical and is also a risk in digital certificates verification
64
Certification practice statement (CPS)
A detailed set of rules governing the certificate authority's operations. It provides an understanding of the value and trustworthiness of certificates issued by a given CA. In terms of the controls that an organization observes, the method it uses to validate the authenticity of certificate applicants and the CA's expectations of how its certificates may be used
65
Channel Service Unit/Digital Service Unit (CSU/DSU)
Interfaces at the physical layer of the open systems interconnection (OSI) reference model, data terminal equipment (DTE) to data circuit terminating equipment (DCE), for switched carrier networks
66
Check digit
A numeric value, which has been calculated mathematically, that is added to data to ensure that original data have not been altered or that an incorrect, but valid match has occurred. Check digit control is effective in detecting transposition and transcription errors
67
Checksum
A mathematical value that is assigned to a file and used to “test” the file at a later date to verify that the data contained in the file have not been maliciously changed. A cryptographic checksum is created by performing a complicated series of mathematical operations (known as a cryptographic algorithm) that translates the data in the file into a fixed string of digits called a hash value, which is then used as the checksum. Without knowing which cryptographic algorithm was used to create the hash value, it is highly unlikely that an unauthorized person would be able to change data without inadvertently changing the corresponding checksum. Cryptographic checksums are used in data transmission and data storage. Cryptographic checksums are also known as message authentication codes, integrity check-values, modification detection codes or message integrity codes
68
Ciphertext
Information generated by an encryption algorithm to protect the plaintext and that is unintelligible to the unauthorized reader
69
Client-server
A group of computers connected by a communications network, in which the client is the requesting machine and the server is the supplying machine. Software is specialized at both ends. Processing may take place on either the client or the server, but it is transparent to the user
70
Cloud computing
A model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction
71
Coaxial cable
Composed of an insulated wire that runs through the middle of each cable, a second wire that surrounds the insulation of the inner wire like a sheath, and the outer insulation which wraps the second wire. Has a greater transmission capacity than standard twisted-pair cables, but has a limited range of effective distance
72
Cold site
An IS backup facility that has the necessary electrical and physical components of a computer facility, but does not have the computer equipment in place. The site is ready to receive the necessary replacement computer equipment in the event the users have to move from their main computing location to the alternative computer facility
73
Completely connected (mesh) configuration
A network topology in which devices are connected with many redundant interconnections between network nodes (primarily used for backbone networks)
74
Components (as in component-based development)
Cooperating packages of executable software that make their services available through defined interfaces. Components used in developing systems may be commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS) or may be purposely built. However, the goal of component-based development is to ultimately use as many predeveloped, pretested components as possible
75
Computer-aided software engineering (CASE)
The use of software packages that aid in the development of all phases of an information system. System analysis, design programming and documentation are provided. Changes introduced in one CASE chart will update all other related charts automatically. CASE can be installed on a microcomputer for easy access
76
Computer-assisted audit technique (CAAT)
Any automated audit technique, such as generalized audit software (GAS), test data generators, computerized audit programs and specialized audit utilities
77
Computer emergency response team (CERT)
A group of people integrated at the organization with clear lines of reporting and responsibilities for standby support in case of an information systems emergency. This group will act as an efficient corrective control, and should also act as a single point of contact for all incidents and issues related to information systems
78
Computer forensics
The application of the scientific method to digital media to establish factual information for judicial review. This process often involves investigating computer systems to determine whether they are or have been used for illegal or unauthorized activities. As a discipline, it combines elements of law and computer science to collect and analyze data from information systems (e.g., personal computers, networks, wireless communications and digital storage devices) in a way that is admissible as evidence in a court of law
79
Concurrency control
Refers to a class of controls used in database management systems (DBMS) to ensure that transactions are processed in an atomic, consistent, isolated and durable manner (ACID). This implies that only serial and recoverable schedules are permitted, and that committed transactions are not discarded when undoing aborted transactions
80
Console log
An automated detail report of computer system activity
81
Continuity
Preventing, mitigating and recovering from disruption. The terms “business resumption planning,” “disaster recovery planning” and “contingency planning” also may be used in this context; they all concentrate on the recovery aspects of continuity
82
Continuous improvement
The goals of continuous improvement (Kaizen) include the elimination of waste, defined as “activities that add cost, but do not add value”; just-in-time (JIT) delivery; production load leveling of amounts and types; standardized work; paced moving lines; and right-sized equipment. A closer definition of the Japanese usage of Kaizen is “to take it apart and put back together in a better way.” What is taken apart is usually a process, system, product or service. Kaizen is a daily activity whose purpose goes beyond improvement. It is also a process that, when done correctly, humanizes the workplace, eliminates hard work (both mental and physical), and teaches people how to do rapid experiments using the scientific method and how to learn to see and eliminate waste in business processes
83
Control section
The area of the central processing unit (CPU) that executes software, allocates internal memory and transfers operations between the arithmetic-logic, internal storage and output sections of the computer
84
Cookie
A message kept in the web browser for the purpose of identifying users and possibly preparing customized web pages for them. The first time a cookie is set, a user may be required to go through a registration process. Subsequent to this, whenever the cookie's message is sent to the server, a customized view based on that user's preferences can be produced. The browser's implementation of cookies has, however, brought several security concerns, allowing breaches of security and the theft of personal information (e.g., user passwords that validate the user's identity and enable restricted web services)
85
Corporate governance
The system by which organizations are directed and controlled. The board of directors are responsible for the governance of their organizations. It consists of the leadership and organizational structures and processes that ensure the organization sustains and extends strategies and objectives
86
Coupling
Measure of interconnectivity among structure of software programs. Coupling depends on the interface complexity between modules. This can be defined as the point at which entry or reference is made to a module, and what data pass across the interface. In application software design, it is preferable to strive for the lowest possible coupling between modules. Simple connectivity among modules results in software that is easier to understand and maintain, and less prone to a ripple or domino effect caused when errors occur at one location and propagate through a system.
87
Data custodian
Individual(s) and department(s) responsible for the storage and safeguarding of computerized information. This typically is within the IS organization
88
Data dictionary
A database that contains the name, type, range of values, source, and authorization for access for each data element in a database. It also indicates which application programs use those data so that when a data structure is contemplated, a list of the affected programs can be generated. May be a stand-alone information system used for management or documentation purposes, or it may control the operation of a database
89
Data Encryption Standard (DES)
An algorithm for encoding binary data. It is a secret key cryptosystem published by the National Bureau of Standards (NBS), the predecessor of the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). DES was defined as a Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) in 1976 and has been used commonly for data encryption in the forms of software and hardware implementation
90
Data structure
The relationships among files in a database and among data items within each file
91
Database
A stored collection of related data needed by organizations and individuals to meet their information processing and retrieval requirements
92
Database management system (DBMS)
A software system that controls the organization, storage and retrieval of data in a database
93
Decision support system (DSS)
An interactive system that provides the user with easy access to decision models and data, to support semistructured decision-making tasks
94
Decryption
A technique used to recover the original plaintext from the ciphertext such that it is intelligible to the reader. The decryption is a reverse process of the encryption
95
Decryption key
A piece of information used to recover the plaintext from the corresponding ciphertext by decryption
96
Detection risk
The risk that material errors or misstatements that have occurred will not be detected by the IS auditor
97
Dial-back
Used as a control over dial-up telecommunications lines. The telecommunications link established through dial-up into the computer from a remote location is interrupted so the computer can dial back to the caller. The link is permitted only if the caller is from a valid phone number or telecommunications channel
98
Digital signature
A piece of information, a digitized form of a signature, that provides sender authenticity, message integrity and nonrepudiation. A digital signature is generated using the sender's private key or applying a one-way hash function
99
Disaster recovery plan (DRP)
A set of human, physical, technical and procedural resources to recover, within a defined time and cost, an activity interrupted by an emergency or disaster
100
Disaster tolerance
The time gap during which the business can accept the non-availability of IT facilities
101
Discovery sampling
A form of attribute sampling that is used to determine a specified probability of finding at least one example of an occurrence (attribute) in a population
102
Discretionary access control (DAC)
A means of restricting access to objects based on the identity of subjects and/or groups to which they belong. The controls are discretionary in the sense that a subject with a certain access permission is capable of passing that permission (perhaps indirectly) on to any other subject
103
Distributed data processing network
A system of computers connected together by a communications network. Each computer processes its data and the network supports the system as a whole. Such a network enhances communication among the linked computers and allows access to shared files
104
Diverse routing
The method of routing traffic through split cable facilities or duplicate cable facilities. This can be accomplished with different and/or duplicate cable sheaths. If different cable sheaths are used, the cable may be in the same conduit and, therefore, subject to the same interruptions as the cable it is backing up. The communication service subscriber can duplicate the facilities by having alternate routes, although the entrance to and from the customer premises may be in the same conduit. The subscriber can obtain diverse routing and alternate routing from the local carrier, including dual entrance facilities. However, acquiring this type of access is time-consuming and costly. Most carriers provide facilities for alternate and diverse routing, although the majority of services are transmitted over terrestrial media. These cable facilities are usually located in the ground or basement. Ground-based facilities are at great risk due to the aging infrastructures of cities. In addition, cable-based facilities usually share room with mechanical and electrical systems that can impose great risks due to human error and disastrous events
105
Domain name system (DNS) poisoning
Corrupts the table of an Internet server's DNS, replacing an Internet address with the address of another vagrant or scoundrel address. If a web user looks for the page with that address, the request is redirected by the scoundrel entry in the table to a different address. Cache poisoning differs from another form of DNS poisoning in which the attacker spoofs valid email accounts and floods the “n” boxes of administrative and technical contacts. Cache poisoning is related to URL poisoning or location poisoning, in which an Internet user behavior is tracked by adding an identification number to the location line of the browser that can be recorded as the user visits successive pages on the site. It is also called DNS cache poisoning or cache poisoning
106
Dumb terminal
A display terminal without processing capability. Dumb terminals are dependent on the main computer for processing. All entered data are accepted without further editing or validation
107
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
A protocol used by networked computers (clients) to obtain IP addresses and other parameters such as the default gateway, subnet mask and IP addresses of domain name system (DNS) servers from a DHCP server. The DHCP server ensures that all IP addresses are unique (e.g., no IP address is assigned to a second client while the first client's assignment is valid [its lease has not expired]). Thus, IP address pool management is done by the server and not by a human network administrator
108
Electronic data interchange (EDI)
The electronic transmission of transactions (information) between two organizations. EDI promotes a more efficient paperless environment. EDI transmissions can replace the use of standard documents, including invoices or purchase orders
109
Electronic funds transfer (EFT)
The exchange of money via telecommunications. EFT refers to any financial transaction that originates at a terminal and transfers a sum of money from one account to another
110
Embedded audit module (EAM)
Integral part of an application system that is designed to identify and report specific transactions or other information based on predetermined criteria. Identification of reportable items occurs as part of real-time processing. Reporting may be real-time online or may use store and forward methods. Also known as integrated test facility or continuous auditing module
111
Encapsulation (objects)
The technique used by layered protocols in which a lower-layer protocol accepts a message from a higher-layer protocol and places it in the data portion of a frame in the lower layer
112
Encryption
The process of taking an unencrypted message (plaintext), applying a mathematical function to it (encryption algorithm with a key) and producing an encrypted message (ciphertext)
113
Encryption key
A piece of information, in a digitized form, used by an encryption algorithm to convert the plaintext to the ciphertext
114
Enterprise resource planning (ERP)
A packaged business software system that allows an organization to automate and integrate the majority of its business processes, share common data and practices across the entire organization, and produce and access information in a real-time environment. Examples of ERP include SAP, Oracle Financials and J.D. Edwards
115
Escrow agent
A person, agency or organization that is authorized to act on behalf of another to create a legal relationship with a third party in regards to an escrow agreement; the custodian of an asset according to an escrow agreement. As it relates to a cryptographic key, an escrow agent is the agency or organization charged with the responsibility for safeguarding the key components of the unique key
116
Escrow agreement
A legal arrangement whereby an asset (often money, but sometimes other property such as art, a deed of title, web site, software source code or a cryptographic key) is delivered to a third party (called an escrow agent) to be held in trust or otherwise pending a contingency or the fulfillment of a condition or conditions in a contract. Upon the occurrence of the escrow agreement, the escrow agent will deliver the asset to the proper recipient; otherwise the escrow agent is bound by his/her fiduciary duty to maintain the escrow account. Source code escrow means deposit of the source code for the software into an account held by an escrow agent. Escrow is typically requested by a party licensing software (e.g., licensee or buyer) to ensure maintenance of the software. The software source code is released by the escrow agent to the licensee if the licensor (e.g., seller or contractor) files for bankruptcy or otherwise fails to maintain and update the software as promised in the software license agreement
117
Ethernet
A popular network protocol and cabling scheme that uses a bus topology and carrier sense multiple access/collision detection (CSMA/CD) to prevent network failures or collisions when two devices try to access the network at the same time
118
Exclusive-OR (XOR)
The exclusive-OR operator returns a value of TRUE only if just one of its operands is TRUE. The XOR operation is a Boolean operation that produces a 0 if its two Boolean inputs are the same (0 and 0 or 1 and 1) and it produces a 1 if its two inputs are different (1 and 0). In contrast, an inclusive-OR operator returns a value of TRUE if either or both of its operands are TRUE
119
Executable code
The machine language code that is generally referred to as the object or load module
120
Expert system
The most prevalent type of computer system that arises from the research of artificial intelligence. An expert system has a built-in hierarchy of rules, which are acquired from human experts in the appropriate field. Once input is provided, the system should be able to define the nature of the problem and provide recommendations to solve the problem.
121
Exposure
The potential loss to an area due to the occurrence of an adverse event
122
Extended Binary-coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC)
An 8-bit code representing 256 characters; used in most large computer systems
123
Extensible Markup Language (XML)
Promulgated through the World Wide Web Consortium, XML is a web-based application development technique that allows designers to create their own customized tags, thus enabling the definition, transmission, validation and interpretation of data between applications and organizations
124
Extranet
A private network that resides on the Internet and allows a company to securely share business information with customers, suppliers, or other businesses as well as to execute electronic transactions. Different from an intranet in that it is located beyond the company's firewall. Therefore, an extranet relies on the use of securely issued digital certificates (or alternative methods of user authentication) and encryption of messages. A virtual private network (VPN) and tunneling are often used to implement extranets, to ensure security and privacy.
125
Fallback procedures
A plan of action or set of procedures to be performed if a system implementation, upgrade or modification does not work as intended. May involve restoring the system to its state prior to the implementation or change. Fallback procedures are needed to ensure that normal business processes continue in the event of failure and should always be considered in system migration or implementation
126
False authorization
Also called false acceptance; occurs when an unauthorized person is identified as an authorized person by the biometric system
127
False enrollment
Occurs when an unauthorized person manages to enroll into the biometric system. Enrollment is the initial process of acquiring a biometric feature and saving it as a personal reference on a smart card, a PC or in a central database
128
Feasibility study
A phase of a system development life cycle (SDLC) methodology that researches the feasibility and adequacy of resources for the development or acquisition of a system solution to a user need
129
Fiber-optic cable
Glass fibers that transmit binary signals over a telecommunications network. Fiber-optic systems have low transmission losses as compared to twisted-pair cables. They do not radiate energy or conduct electricity. They are free from corruption and lightning-induced interference, and they reduce the risk of wiretaps
130
File allocation table (FAT)
A table used by the operating system to keep track of where every file is located on the disk. Since a file is often fragmented, and thus subdivided into many sectors within the disk, the information stored in the FAT is used when loading or updating the contents of the file
131
File server
A high-capacity disk storage device or a computer that stores data centrally for network users and manages access to that data. File servers can be dedicated so that no process other than network management can be executed while the network is available; file servers can be nondedicated so that standard user applications can run while the network is available
132
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
A protocol used to transfer files over a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) network (Internet, UNIX, etc.)
133
Firewall
A system or combination of systems that enforces a boundary between two or more networks, typically forming a barrier between a secure and an open environment such as the Internet
134
Firmware
Memory chips with embedded program code that hold their content when power is turned off
135
Foreign key
A value that represents a reference to a tuple (a row in a table) containing the matching candidate key value. The problem of ensuring that the database does not include any invalid foreign key values is known as the referential integrity problem. The constraint that values of a given foreign key must match values of the corresponding candidate key is known as a referential constraint. The relation (table) that contains the foreign key is referred to as the referencing relation and the relation that contains the corresponding candidate key as the referenced relation or target relation. (In the relational theory it would be a candidate key, but in real database management systems (DBMSs) implementations it is always the primary key.)
136
Fourth-generation language (4GL)
High-level, user-friendly, nonprocedural computer languages used to program and/or read and process computer files
137
Frame relay
A packet-switched wide-area network (WAN) technology that provides faster performance than older packet-switched WAN technologies. Best suited for data and image transfers. Because of its variable-length packet architecture, it is not the most efficient technology for real-time voice and video. In a frame-relay network, end nodes establish a connection via a permanent virtual circuit (PVC).
138
Gateway
A device (router, firewall) on a network that serves as an entrance to another network
139
Generalized audit software (GAS)
Multipurpose audit software that can be used for general processes such as record selection, matching, recalculation and reporting
140
Geographical information system (GIS)
A tool used to integrate, convert, handle, analyze and produce information regarding the surface of the earth. GIS data exist as maps, tridimensional virtual models, lists and tables
141
Governance
Ensures that stakeholder needs, conditions and options are evaluated to determine balanced, agreed-on enterprise objectives to be achieved; setting direction through prioritization and decision making; and monitoring performance and compliance against agreed-on direction and objectives. Conditions can include the cost of capital, foreign exchange rates, etc. Options can include shifting manufacturing to other locations, sub-contracting portions of the enterprise to third parties, selecting a product mix from many available choices, etc.
142
Help desk
A service offered via phone/Internet by an organization to its clients or employees that provides information, assistance, and troubleshooting advice regarding software, hardware, or networks. A help desk is staffed by people that can either resolve the problem on their own or escalate the problem to specialized personnel. A help desk is often equipped with dedicated customer relationship management (CRM) software that logs the problems and tracks them until they are solved
143
Heuristic filter
A method often employed by antispam software to filter spam using criteria established in a centralized rule database. Every email message is given a rank, based upon its header and contents, which is then matched against preset thresholds. A message that surpasses the threshold will be flagged as spam and discarded, returned to its sender or put in a spam directory for further review by the intended recipient
144
Hierarchical database
A database structured in a tree/root or parent/child relationship. Each parent can have many children, but each child may have only one parent
145
Honeypot
A specially configured server, also known as a decoy server, designed to attract and monitor intruders in a manner such that their actions do not affect production systems
146
Hot site
A fully operational offsite data processing facility equipped with both hardware and system software to be used in the event of a disaster
147
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
A language designed for the creation of web pages with hypertext and other information to be displayed in a web browser. HTML is used to structure information—denoting certain text as headings, paragraphs, lists and so on—and can be used to describe, to some degree, the appearance and semantics of a document
148
Image processing
The process of electronically inputting source documents by taking an image of the document, thereby eliminating the need for key entry
149
Impersonation
A security concept related to Windows NT that allows a server application to temporarily “be” the client in terms of access to secure objects. Impersonation has three possible levels: identification, letting the server inspect the client's identity; impersonation, letting the server act on behalf of the client; and delegation, the same as impersonation but extended to remote systems to which the server connects (through the preservation of credentials). Impersonation by imitating or copying the identification, behavior or actions of another may also be used in social engineering to obtain otherwise unauthorized physical access
150
Indexed sequential access method (ISAM)
A disk access method that stores data sequentially while also maintaining an index of key fields to all the records in the file for direct access capability
151
Information security governance
The set of responsibilities and practices exercised by the board and executive management with the goal of providing strategic direction, ensuring that objectives are achieved, ascertaining that risk is managed appropriately and verifying that the enterprise's resources are used responsibly
152
Inherent risk
The risk level or exposure without taking into account the actions that management has taken or might take (e.g., implementing controls)
153
Input control
Techniques and procedures used to verify, validate and edit data, to ensure that only correct data are entered into the computer
154
Integrated services digital network (ISDN)
A public end-to-end, digital telecommunications network with signaling, switching, and transport capabilities supporting a wide range of service accessed by standardized interfaces with integrated customer control. The standard allows transmission of digital voice, video and data over 64 Kpbs lines
155
Integrated test facilities (ITF)
A testing methodology where test data are processed in production systems. The data usually represent a set of fictitious entities such as departments, customers and products. Output reports are verified to confirm the correctness of the processing
156
Internet
1) Two or more networks connected by a router; 2) the world's largest network using Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to link government, university and commercial institutions
157
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
An organization with international affiliates as network industry representatives that sets Internet standards. This includes all network industry developers and researchers concerned with the evolution and planned growth of the Internet
158
Internet packet (IP) spoofing
An attack using packets with the spoofed source Internet packet (IP) addresses. This technique exploits applications that use authentication based on IP addresses. This technique also may enable an unauthorized user to gain root access on the target system
159
Internet Protocol Security (IPSec)
A set of protocols developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) to support the secure exchange of packets
160
Internet Security Association and Key Management Protocol (ISAKMP)
A protocol for sharing a public key
161
Irregularity
Intentional violations of established management policy or regulatory requirement. It may consist of deliberate misstatements or omissions of information concerning the area under audit or the organization as a whole; gross negligence or unintentional illegal acts
162
IT governance framework
A model that integrates a set of guidelines, policies and methods that represent the organizational approach to the IT governance. Per COBIT, IT governance is the responsibility of the board of directors and executive management. It is an integral part of institutional governance, and consists of the leadership and organizational structures and processes that ensure that the organization's IT sustains and extends the organization's strategy and objectives
163
IT incident
Any event that is not part of the ordinary operation of a service that causes, or may cause, an interruption to, or a reduction in, the quality of that service
164
IT infrastructure
The set of hardware, software and facilities that integrates an organization's IT assets. Specifically, the equipment (including servers, routers, switches, and cabling), software, services and products used in storing, processing, transmitting and displaying all forms of information for the organization's users
165
Key performance indicator (KPI)
A measure that determines how well the process is performing in enabling the goal to be reached. A lead indicator of whether a goal will likely be reached or not, and a good indicator of capabilities, practices and skills. It measures the activity goal, which is an action that the process owner must take to achieve effective process performance
166
Librarian
The individual responsible for the safeguard and maintenance of all program and data files
167
Licensing agreement
A contract that establishes the terms and conditions under which a piece of software is being licensed (i.e., made legally available for use) from the software developer (owner) to the user
168
Limit check
Tests specified amount fields against stipulated high or low limits of acceptability. When both high and low values are used, the test may be called a range check
169
Literals
Any notation for representing a value within programming language source code (e.g., a string literal); a chunk of input data that is represented “as is” in compressed data
170
Local area network (LAN)
Communication network that serves several users within a specified geographical area. A personal computer LAN functions as a distributed processing system in which each computer in the network does its own processing and manages some of its data. Shared data are stored in a file server that acts as a remote disk drive for all users in the network
171
Log
To record details of the information or events in an organized record-keeping system, usually sequenced in the order in which they occurred
172
Logon
The act of connecting to the computer, which typically requires entry of a user ID and password into a computer terminal
173
Malware
Short for malicious software. Designed to infiltrate, damage or obtain information from a computer system without the owner's consent. Malware is commonly taken to include computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware and adware. Spyware is generally used for marketing purposes and, as such, is not really malicious although it is generally unwanted. Spyware can, however, be used to gather information for identity theft or other clearly illicit purposes
174
Management information system (MIS)
An organized assembly of resources and procedures required to collect, process and distribute data for use in decision making
175
Mandatory access controls (MAC)
A means of restricting access to data based on varying degrees of security requirements for information contained in the objects and the corresponding security clearance of users or programs acting on their behalf
176
Mapping
Diagramming data that is to be exchanged electronically, including how they are to be used and what business management systems need them. Mapping is a preliminary step for developing an applications link
177
Materiality
An auditing concept regarding the importance of an item of information with regard to its impact or effect on the functioning of the entity being audited. An expression of the relative significance or importance of a particular matter in the context of the organization as a whole
178
Media access control (MAC)
Applied to the hardware at the factory and cannot be modified, MAC is a unique, 48-bit, hard-coded address of a physical layer device, such as an Ethernet local area network (LAN) or a wireless network card
179
Media oxidation
The deterioration of the media on which data are digitally stored due to exposure to oxygen and moisture. Tapes deteriorating in a warm, humid environment are an example of media oxidation. Proper environmental controls should prevent, or significantly slow, this process.
180
Message switching
A telecommunications methodology that controls traffic in which a complete message is sent to a concentration point and stored until the communications path is established
181
Middleware
Another term for an application programmer interface (API). It refers to the interfaces that allow programmers to access lower- or higher-level services by providing an intermediary layer that includes function calls to the services
182
Milestone
A terminal element that marks the completion of a work package or phase. Typically marked by a high-level event such as project completion, receipt, endorsement or signing of a previously defined deliverable or a high-level review meeting at which the appropriate level of project completion is determined and agreed to. A milestone is associated with some sort of decision that outlines the future of a project and, for an outsourced project, may have a payment to the contractor associated with it
183
Mission-critical application
An application that is vital to the operation of the organization. The term is very popular for describing the applications required to run the day-to-day business
184
Mobile site
The use of a mobile/temporary facility to serve as a business resumption location. The facility can usually be delivered to any site and can house information technology and staff
185
Modulation
The process of converting a digital computer signal into an analog telecommunications signal
186
Monetary unit sampling
A sampling technique that estimates the amount of overstatement in an account balance
187
Network
A system of interconnected computers and the communications equipment used to connect them
188
Network administrator
Responsible for planning, implementing and maintaining the telecommunications infrastructure; also may be responsible for voice networks. For smaller organizations, the network administrator may also maintain a local area network (LAN) and assist end users
189
Network attached storage (NAS)
Utilize dedicated storage devices that centralize storage of data. NAS devices generally do not provide traditional file/print or application services
190
Network interface card (NIC)
A communication card that when inserted into a computer, allows it to communicate with other computers on a network. Most NICs are designed for a particular type of network or protocol
191
Noise
Disturbances in data transmissions, such as static, that cause messages to be misinterpreted by the receiver
192
Nondisclosure agreement (NDA)
A legal contract between at least two parties that outlines confidential materials the parties wish to share with one another for certain purposes, but wish to restrict from generalized use; a contract through which the parties agree not to disclose information covered by the agreement
193
Normalization
The elimination of redundant data
194
Objectivity
The ability of the IS auditor to exercise judgment, express opinions and present recommendations with impartiality
195
Offsite storage
A facility located away from the building housing the primary information processing facility (IPF), used for storage of computer media such as offline backup data and storage files
196
Operating system
A master control program that runs the computer and acts as a scheduler and traffic controller. The operating system is the first program copied into the computer's memory after the computer is turned on; it must reside in memory at all times. It is the software that interfaces between the computer hardware (disk, keyboard, mouse, network, modem, printer) and the application software (word processor, spreadsheet, email), which also controls access to the devices and is partially responsible for security components and sets the standards for the application programs that run in it.
197
Operational control
Deals with the everyday operation of a company or organization to ensure that all objectives are achieved
198
Operator console
A special terminal used by computer operations personnel to control computer and systems operations functions. Operator console terminals typically provide a high level of computer access and should be properly secured
