Azure Glossary (Most Used Azure Terms)

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A


Azure AD directory

Azure AD directory is a cloud-based identity and access management service by Microsoft. It provides user authentication, single sign-on, and device management for Azure cloud services and other applications.

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API app

An API (Application Programming Interface) app is a software application that allows different software systems to communicate and interact with each other using a standardized set of rules and protocols.

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Azure SQL Data Sync

Azure SQL Data Sync is a cloud-based service by Microsoft that facilitates data synchronization between multiple Azure SQL databases and on-premises SQL Server databases.

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Azure PowerShell

Azure PowerShell is a command-line interface that allows users to manage and automate Microsoft Azure resources using PowerShell scripting language.

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Azure Resource Manager deployment model

Azure Resource Manager is a deployment model that allows you to create and manage resources in Azure through a declarative template. It provides a consistent and reliable way to deploy and manage resources.

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artificial intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that focuses on the development of intelligent machines that can mimic human behavior, learn from data, and make decisions.

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availability set

An availability set is a concept in cloud computing that ensures redundancy and high availability by grouping virtual machines in separate physical servers and data centers to minimize downtime.

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Azure account

Azure account is a cloud computing service offered by Microsoft. It provides a range of services and tools for managing, deploying, and securing applications and data in the cloud.

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Azure CLI

Azure CLI (Command-Line Interface) is a cross-platform tool that allows users to manage resources in Microsoft Azure from the command line, with features like creating, deploying, and managing virtual machines, among other functionalities.

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account

An account refers to a user's digital identity that grants access to various online services. It typically consists of a username and password or other authentication credentials to secure access to personal information and online activities.

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artificial intelligence (AI) vs. machine learning (ML)

AI refers to the ability of machines to mimic human intelligence and perform tasks intelligently, while ML is a subset of AI that focuses on enabling machines to learn and improve from data without explicit programming.

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Azure AD tenant

Azure AD tenant is a cloud-based identity and access management service by Microsoft. It helps organizations manage user identities and control access to resources in the Azure cloud environment.

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Account administrator

An account administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining user accounts within a system or network, ensuring security measures are in place to protect sensitive information and overseeing access control mechanisms.

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Azure classic deployment model

Azure classic deployment model is the older version of Azure's deployment model, which uses the Azure Service Management (ASM) API to deploy and manage resources.

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Azure SQL Database

Azure SQL Database is a managed cloud database by Microsoft Azure, which offers high security, scalability, and availability for storing and managing structured data in the cloud.

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App Service app

App Service is a fully managed platform offered by Microsoft Azure that allows developers to build, deploy, and scale web applications easily, offering features like automatic scaling, continuous integration, and security.

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application migration

Application migration refers to the process of moving applications from one environment to another, such as migrating from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud, while ensuring data security and maintaining functionality.

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application modernization

Application modernization is the process of updating or transforming legacy applications to meet current technological and business needs, enhancing their functionality, scalability, performance, and security.

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Access Control (ACS)

Access Control (ACS) is a security measure that restricts or grants access to resources based on user permissions. It ensures confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data by regulating user authentication and authorization.

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Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is Microsoft's cloud-based identity and access management service. It manages user identities and authentication, controls user access to resources, and provides single sign-on functionality for multiple applications.

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Blob (Binary Large Object)

A Blob (Binary Large Object) is a type of data storage used to store binary data, such as images or videos. It is commonly used in databases and allows for efficient handling of large data files.

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business intelligence (BI) tools

Business intelligence (BI) tools are software applications that collect, analyze, and present data from a diverse range of sources, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions and gain insights into their operations.

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Block Blobs

Block blobs are a type of object storage in cloud platforms, such as Azure, that store files in blocks of data. They are commonly used for storing large amounts of unstructured data.

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business analytics tools

Business analytics tools are software applications that gather, process, and analyze large datasets to help businesses make data-driven decisions and gain insights into their operations and performance.

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big data analytics

Big data analytics is the process of examining large and complex data sets to uncover patterns, correlations, and insights that can be used for decision-making and problem-solving in various industries.

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computer vision

Computer vision is a field of artificial intelligence that focuses on enabling computers to understand and interpret visual data from images or videos, mimicking human visual perception.

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cloud migration benefits

The benefits of cloud migration include cost savings, scalability, increased flexibility, improved data security, automatic software updates, and simplified disaster recovery.

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caching

Caching is a technique used in computer systems to temporarily store data, allowing for faster retrieval in the future. It improves system performance by reducing the time and resources needed to access data repeatedly.

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cloud computing types

Cloud computing types include public, private, and hybrid clouds. Public clouds are owned and operated by third-party providers, private clouds are dedicated to a single organization, and hybrid clouds combine public and private cloud resources.

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cloud

Cloud computing refers to the practice of storing, managing, and processing data and applications on the internet instead of a local computer. It offers flexible and scalable computing resources, allowing users to access their data from anywhere.

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Content Delivery Network(CDN)

A Content Delivery Network (CDN) is a distributed network of servers that delivers web content to users based on their geographic location, reducing latency and improving website performance.

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computer grids

Computer grids, also known as computational grids, are a type of distributed computing system that allows multiple computers to work together and share computational resources to solve complex problems.

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container

A container is a lightweight, isolated software unit that packages dependencies and applications together. It ensures portability, scalability, and security by virtualizing the operating system without needing a complete virtual machine.

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cloud bursting

Cloud bursting is a method where organizations can scale their on-premises infrastructure to a public cloud during peak demand, allowing for additional compute resources without permanent reliance on the cloud.

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Caching

Caching is a technique used in computing to store frequently accessed data or web pages in a temporary storage location, improving the speed and efficiency of data retrieval and reducing the workload on the server.

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Compute

Compute refers to the process of performing calculations, executing commands, and running programs on a computer or computing system. It involves the use of hardware and software to perform various computational tasks.

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cloud service provider

A cloud service provider is a company that offers computing resources, storage, and services over the internet, allowing businesses and individuals to access and utilize technology resources without having to physically own or manage them.

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cloud migration

Cloud migration is the process of moving data, applications, and services from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud, enabling organizations to take advantage of scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency offered by cloud computing.

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cloud computing

Cloud computing is the practice of using remote servers on the internet to store, manage, and process data, allowing businesses and individuals to access resources and services from anywhere at any time.

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Caching

Caching is the process of storing frequently accessed data in a temporary storage location. This improves system performance by reducing the need to fetch data from the original source every time it is requested.

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databases

Databases are organized collections of structured information that store and retrieve data. They are commonly used in applications to manage and manipulate data efficiently for various purposes, including cybersecurity.

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data lake

A data lake is a centralized storage repository that allows organizations to store massive volumes of structured and unstructured data in its raw format for future processing and analysis.

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data warehouse

A data warehouse is a centralized repository that stores large amounts of structured and/or unstructured data from various sources, providing a platform for analysis, reporting, and business intelligence purposes.

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data integration

Data integration refers to the process of combining data from different sources and systems into a single, unified view. It ensures data consistency, accuracy, and availability for analysis and decision-making purposes.

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DevOps

DevOps is a software development approach that combines development (Dev) and operations (Ops) teams, aiming to improve collaboration, efficiency, and quality throughout the software development lifecycle.

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database sharding

Database sharding is a technique in which a large database is divided into smaller, more manageable parts called shards, providing scalability and performance improvements in distributed systems.

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database security

Database security refers to measures taken to protect databases from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other threats. It involves implementing authentication, encryption, access controls, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.

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data science scientists

Data science scientists are professionals who use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze large sets of data and extract meaningful insights to solve complex problems and make informed decisions.

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deep learning

Deep learning is a subset of machine learning that uses artificial neural networks to model and understand complex patterns and relationships in data, often used in tasks like image and speech recognition.

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data governance

Data governance is the framework of policies, procedures, and processes that ensure data is managed, protected, and utilized appropriately, ensuring data quality, integrity, privacy, and compliance within an organization.

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data migration

Data migration refers to the process of transferring data from one system or storage location to another. It involves ensuring data integrity, security, and compatibility while minimizing the risk of data loss or corruption.

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E


edge computing

Edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm that processes data at the edge of the network, closer to where it's generated, reducing latency, enhancing real-time processing, and improving efficiency in data transmission.

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elastic computing

Elastic computing is a cloud computing concept that allows businesses to dynamically allocate and scale computing resources based on their needs, enabling flexibility, optimization, and cost-effectiveness in managing workloads.

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F


Files

Files are data objects that store information on a computer system. They can be documents, images, videos, or any other type of digital content.

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face recognition

Face recognition is a technology that uses biometric data to verify a person's identity by analyzing the unique features of their face. It is commonly used for security purposes, such as unlocking devices or access control.

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fault domain

A fault domain refers to a specific area within a network or system where a single point of failure can occur, potentially causing downtime or disruption to service.

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G


grid computing

Grid computing is a distributed computing model where resources from multiple locations are combined to form a virtual supercomputer, enabling sharing of processing power, storage, and applications across a network.

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Geo-redundant storage (GRS)

Geo-redundant storage (GRS) is a data storage strategy that duplicates and stores data in multiple geographic regions. It provides increased data resilience and ensures data availability in the event of a localized outage or disaster.

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geo-replication

Geo-replication is the process of duplicating and storing data across multiple geographical locations, ensuring high availability and disaster recovery capabilities in case of a data center outage or regional disaster.

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geo

Geo refers to the geographical location or origin of a device, user, or data, which plays a crucial role in cybersecurity as it helps identify potential threats or unauthorized access attempts.

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H


hybrid cloud computing

Hybrid cloud computing is a combination of public and private cloud solutions, allowing organizations to store and process data across multiple cloud environments, while maintaining control over sensitive information.

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HDInsight

HDInsight is a cloud service provided by Microsoft Azure that enables large-scale processing and analysis of big data. It supports various frameworks like Hadoop, Spark, Hive, and more.

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infrastructure as a service (IaaS)

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model where virtualized computing resources, such as servers, storage, and networking, are provided as a service over the internet, enabling on-demand scaling and management.

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Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and other objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity, enabling them to collect and exchange data.

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image

An image in the context of cybersecurity refers to a binary file that contains the exact copy of a computer's storage, including the operating system, software, and files, which can be used for backup or forensic purposes.

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J


Java Spring Boot

Java Spring Boot is a framework that simplifies the creation of Java web applications by providing powerful features to handle configuration, dependency management, and rapid application development.

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Java programming language

Java is a popular programming language known for its platform independence, object-oriented approach, and strong security measures, making it suitable for developing a wide range of applications and systems.

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L


limits

Limits in cybersecurity refers to the restrictions and boundaries put in place to safeguard digital systems and data, ensuring privacy, prevention of unauthorized access, and protecting against potential threats and vulnerabilities.

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Locally redundant storage (LRS)

Locally Redundant Storage (LRS) is a type of data storage replication in which data is stored multiple times within the same data center, providing redundancy and protecting against hardware failures.

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load balancer

A load balancer distributes network traffic across multiple servers or resources to ensure optimal resource utilization, enhance performance, and prevent individual server overload in order to maintain availability and scalability.

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M


machine learning

Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that enables computers to learn and make predictions without explicit programming, by using algorithms to analyze and interpret data patterns.

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middleware

Middleware refers to software that acts as a bridge between different applications or systems, allowing them to communicate and exchange data. It helps streamline interactions, enhances security, and improves the overall functionality of the connected components.

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mobile app development

Mobile app development is the process of creating software applications for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, using programming languages and frameworks specific to the mobile platform.

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machine learning algorithms

Machine learning algorithms are computer programs that are designed to learn and make predictions or decisions based on data without being explicitly programmed, using techniques such as neural networks, decision trees, and support vector machines.

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Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform offered by Microsoft, providing a range of services such as virtual machines, storage, and databases, allowing organizations to build, deploy, and manage applications and services globally.

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Management groups

Management groups are organizational units in cybersecurity that help in the effective management and control of security policies, access permissions, and configurations across multiple systems and users within an organization.

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mobile app

A mobile app is a software application designed to run on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, providing users with specific functionalities and services for various purposes.

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N


Name

Name is a term referring to the label or identifier given to a particular entity, be it a person, organization, or computer system, to distinguish it from others in a specific context.

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O



P


private, public, vs. hybrid clouds

Private clouds are an exclusive cloud computing environment maintained by a single organization, while public clouds are shared with multiple users. Hybrid clouds combine elements of both, allowing organizations to integrate public and private cloud services to suit their needs.

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public cloud

Public cloud is a form of cloud computing where resources and services are hosted and managed by a third-party provider and made available to the public over the internet.

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PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is an advanced open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) known for its robustness, extensibility, and adherence to SQL standards. It offers features like ACID compliance, data integrity, and high performance.

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private cloud

Private cloud refers to a cloud computing infrastructure that is operated solely for a single organization. It offers dedicated resources and increased control over data privacy and security.

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Page Blobs and Disks

Page blobs are a type of storage for virtual machine disks in Microsoft Azure. They enable efficient random read/write operations and can store the entire disk content, while disks are the actual virtual hard disks attached to virtual machines.

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portal

Portal is a security vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to a network or system. It can be exploited to bypass authentication measures and gain privileged access to sensitive information or resources.

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platform as a service (PaaS)

Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud computing model where a provider offers a platform for developers to build, deploy, and manage applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.

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Q


Queue

A queue is a data structure that follows the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) principle, where elements are added at the end and removed from the front. It is commonly used in computer programming for managing resources and processing tasks in sequence.

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quantum computing

Quantum computing is a cutting-edge technology that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform complex computations exponentially faster than traditional computers.

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qubit

A qubit, short for quantum bit, is the fundamental unit of information in quantum computing. Unlike classical bits, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously, offering potential advancements in computing power and cryptography.

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R


resource

A resource in cybersecurity refers to any digital asset that holds value, such as a computer, network, data, software, or even a person, which needs to be protected from potential threats and attacks.

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relational database

A relational database is a type of database that organizes data into tables with rows and columns, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval of data through defined relationships between tables.

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Resource

Resource refers to any asset or entity that is valuable and can be utilized or manipulated to achieve certain objectives or outcomes. In the context of cybersecurity, resources can include hardware, software, data, networks, and other digital assets.

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Resource Manager template

Resource Manager templates are declarative files for Azure resources, defining the infrastructure and configuration required for deployment. They allow for consistent and automated provisioning and management of resources in Azure.

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Read-access geo-redundant storage (RA-GRS)

Read-access geo-redundant storage (RA-GRS) is a feature in Azure Storage that provides read access to data in the secondary geographic location, providing redundancy and disaster recovery capabilities.

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resource provider

A resource provider is a term commonly used in cloud computing. It refers to a service or platform that provides computing resources such as storage, virtual machines, and networking capabilities to users.

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region

A region in cybersecurity refers to a specific geographic area or jurisdiction. It can impact data protection laws, regulations, and the availability of cybersecurity resources and expertise within that particular location.

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resource group

A resource group is a logical container in cloud computing that groups together related resources, such as virtual machines, databases, and networking components, for easier management, organization, and security.

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role

The role of cybersecurity is to protect computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. It involves implementing preventive measures, detecting potential threats, and responding to security incidents.

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Resource groups

Resource groups are logical containers that group and manage resources in cloud computing. They help organize and allocate various resources, such as virtual machines, storage accounts, and networks, in a structured and efficient manner.

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S


software as a service (SaaS)

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud computing model where software applications are delivered over the internet. Users can access and use these applications without the need for installation or management on their own devices.

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service level agreement (SLA)

A Service Level Agreement (SLA) is a contract between a service provider and a customer that defines the level of service, performance targets, and remedies in case of violations.

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Subscription

A subscription refers to a service or product that is paid for on a recurring basis, typically monthly or annually. It provides continuous access to a particular resource, such as software, content, or online services.

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shared access signature (SAS)

Shared Access Signature (SAS) is a secure way to grant restricted access to resources in cloud storage services like Azure, allowing fine-grained control over permissions and expiration times.

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storage account

A storage account is a secure and scalable cloud-based service provided by cloud providers that allows users to store and manage their data and files in a protected environment.

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subscription

A subscription is a payment plan that allows individuals or organizations to access a service or product regularly over a specific period of time in exchange for recurring fees.

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serverless computing

Serverless computing is a cloud computing model where the cloud provider manages the infrastructure automatically, allowing developers to focus on writing code without worrying about server management or scalability.

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Service Bus

Service Bus is a cloud-based messaging platform that enables reliable and secure communication between applications and services, providing features like message queues, topics, and subscriptions for building distributed systems.

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scaling out vs. scaling up

Scaling out refers to increasing the system's capacity by adding more servers or nodes to distribute the workload, while scaling up means upgrading the existing servers with higher specifications to handle increased workload and demands.

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T


tag

A tag in the context of cybersecurity typically refers to a label or identifier attached to a digital asset, such as a file or email, to help categorize, organize, or track it for security purposes.

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Table

Table is a cybersecurity framework that was developed by CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) to assess and enhance the security controls of organizations involved in the defense supply chain.

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Tenant

Tenant refers to an organization or individual who rents or occupies a specific space or property. In the context of technology, it can also refer to a user or group of users who have access to a shared resource or service.

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U


update domain

An update domain refers to a method used in cybersecurity to manage and control the deployment of updates and patches across different systems or devices to ensure their security and functionality.

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V


virtual network

A virtual network is a software-based network that is created and managed by cloud service providers. It allows users to securely connect and isolate resources in the cloud without the need for physical infrastructure.

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virtual machine (VM)

A virtual machine (VM) is a software emulation of a computer system that allows multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on a single physical computer, providing isolation and flexibility for various purposes, such as testing or running multiple applications.

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virtual private network (VPN)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure and encrypted connection that allows users, especially those working remotely, to browse the internet privately and safely by masking their IP address and encrypting their internet traffic.

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virtual machine extension

A virtual machine extension is a software component that can be installed on a virtual machine to add additional functionalities, such as security features, monitoring capabilities, or performance optimizations.

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VM Role

A VM role refers to a virtual machine instance created in a cloud environment for a specific purpose, such as running a particular application or service, providing isolated execution and resource management.

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virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a technology that allows users to access a virtualized desktop environment remotely, providing secure and centralized management of desktops, data, and applications.

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virtualization

Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual version of an operating system, network, or server, allowing multiple instances to run simultaneously on a single physical machine, increasing efficiency and flexibility.

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Virtual Network Connect

Virtual Network Connect is a technology that allows remote access to a private network over the internet, ensuring secure communication and enabling users to connect to resources from anywhere.

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virtual machine

A virtual machine (VM) is a software emulation of a computer system that allows multiple operating systems to run on a single physical machine, providing isolation and flexibility for testing, development, and security purposes.

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W


Worker Role

Worker Role is a term often used in cloud computing to describe a role that is responsible for background processing tasks, such as performing computations or handling data processing, in a distributed computing environment.

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Web app

A web app, short for web application, is a software program accessed through a web browser that allows users to interact with dynamic content, perform tasks, and access information over the internet.

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Web Role

Web Role is a feature in Microsoft Azure that allows developers to host web applications in a cloud environment, providing scalability, flexibility, and security for web-based projects.

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