Cybersecurity & Network Terms Explained
11 terms on certifications, threats, backups and office networks, in plain English.
Security advice is full of acronyms, and most of it is written for IT teams. This section explains the terms a Singapore business owner is most likely to meet, from CSA’s Cyber Essentials and Cyber Trust marks to ransomware, backups and Wi-Fi. Each page says what the term means, how it works and what it means for a small business.
Certification
CSA Cyber Essentials Mark
CSA’s baseline cybersecurity certification for organisations starting out. It covers assets, protection, updates, backups and incident response, and is valid for two years.
Read definition →Certification
CSA Cyber Trust Mark
A risk-based, five-tier certification for organisations with more extensive digital operations. It is audited each year and valid for three years.
Read definition →Access security
MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)
A second check at sign-in, such as an app prompt or passkey. It stops a stolen password from being enough to break in.
Read definition →Endpoint security
EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response)
Security software that watches device behaviour, not just files. It can isolate an infected laptop and show how an attack happened.
Read definition →Threat
Ransomware
Malware that locks your files and demands payment. Learn how attacks start and what to do in the first hour.
Read definition →Threat
Phishing & Business Email Compromise
Fake emails and messages that steal passwords or redirect payments. Here are the warning signs and where to report them.
Read definition →Backup
3-2-1 Backup Rule
Three copies, two types of storage, one offsite. Add an immutable or offline copy so ransomware cannot reach every backup.
Read definition →Storage
NAS (Network Attached Storage)
A shared storage box on your office network. It is useful for big files and local backups, but RAID is not a backup.
Read definition →Networking
VLAN
Splits one office network into separate zones for staff, guests and devices. It limits how far an attack can spread.
Read definition →Remote access
VPN
An encrypted tunnel that lets staff reach office systems from anywhere. It needs MFA and regular patching to stay safe.
Read definition →Wi-Fi
Mesh Wi-Fi for Offices
Several Wi-Fi nodes acting as one network to remove dead zones. Find out when managed business access points are the better choice.
Read definition →Not sure where your business stands on security?
StarLabs helps Singapore SMEs with data security, backups, storage and office networks.
