Like any niche, cybersecurity is full of complicated concepts and an alphabet soup of acronyms. Internet searches help, but sometimes it’s hard to figure out what to search for—you don’t know what you don’t know! We get it, and we know how much it helps to have something to reference. That’s why we created a handy guide and this five-part blog series that breaks it down for you.
Read on for definitions and details about common password management terms you’ll encounter both in and out of the workplace.
Autofill: A password manager feature that automatically populates websites with the information you have stored in your password manager, such as your personal details, logins, and payment cards.
Dark web insights: A password manager feature that scans billions of records on the dark web for any leaked data and alerts employees when their information is involved in data leaks. Many dark web insights tools also explain simple actions for remediating such threats.
Dark web monitoring: A password manager feature that provides IT admins with a dashboard where they can access real-time insights and alerts about security breaches and other vulnerabilities facing employees in their organization.
FIDO-based authentication: An open standard developed by the FIDO Alliance that enables the replacement of password-only logins with secure and fast login methods, such as biometrics and security keys.
Master password: A private key that encrypts all the data you store in your password manager and is required for granting access to that data.
Passkey: A security feature that replaces passwords and uses a unique pair of cryptographic keys for an app or website. Considered a next-generation login technology, passkeys are more resistant to threats such as phishing.
Password generator: A password manager feature for automatically and securely generating random, strong, unique passwords that can be customized to meet a website’s requirements. Most password managers offer this feature.
Password health: An indicator of your overall password security, typically shown as a score. The score is calculated based on the number of weak, reused, or compromised passwords you have across your accounts.
Password manager: A software application that stores all your logins in a secure location. Many password manager apps (also known as password keepers) offer multiple features, such as the ability to create long, random, unique passwords automatically; syncing all your logins across your devices; and autofilling your logins on websites.
Password policy: A set of best practices and rules related to password use that your organization has established for business accounts. A password policy includes guidelines for password strength, secure password sharing, and password management.
Secure note: A password manager feature for securely saving private information, such as WiFi passwords and apartment codes.
Secure sharing: A password manager feature for safely sharing private information stored in your password manager app, such as passwords and secure notes, with specific people.
Security vault: A secure, encrypted location for storing data, which could include anything from passwords and encryption keys to sensitive files and other information.
Cybersecurity may be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Dashlane makes password management simple for organizations and people alike, and we’re always happy to shed light on the technical terms and concepts. Watch this space for more definitions and discussion soon.
Get all these definitions and more in one handy reference: Download our Essential Guide to Common Cybersecurity Terms.
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