Author: Sharoon Gill

Reconnaissance in cyber security is the first step hackers take before launching an attack. It is the process of gathering information about a target system, network, or organization. The main goal is to collect as much information as possible without alerting the target. This information can include IP addresses, domain names, network devices, employee emails, or even software versions used by a company. Cybersecurity professionals also use reconnaissance, but for defensive purposes. By performing reconnaissance, they can find vulnerabilities in their systems and fix them before hackers exploit them. In short, reconnaissance helps both attackers and defenders understand the target’s…

Piggybacking in cyber security happens when someone gains unauthorized access to a system, network, or facility by following someone who is authorized. It is also known as tailgating in some contexts. For example, an employee might use their access card to enter a secure building, and someone else sneaks in right behind them without showing their own credentials. In computer networks, piggybacking can also mean connecting to an open Wi-Fi network without permission, or using someone else’s login session to access sensitive data. This is risky because attackers can steal personal information, install malware, or cause data breaches. This concept…

Cybersecurity is best described as the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, damage, or unauthorized access. In simple terms, it is about keeping information safe from hackers and threats on the internet. Many people confuse cybersecurity with only antivirus software, but it is much broader than that. It includes tools, policies, and actions used to defend computers and data. The correct statement about cybersecurity is that it protects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. These three elements are often called the CIA triad. Confidentiality means only authorized users can access data. Integrity ensures that data…

To become an ethical hacker, you need a strong base in computer systems and security. Start with basic knowledge of how computers work, including operating systems like Windows and Linux. Networking is very important because hacking is all about understanding how systems connect. Learn IP addresses, DNS, and protocols like TCP/IP. Programming is another key skill. Languages like Python, JavaScript, and Bash help you automate tasks and find vulnerabilities. You should also understand cybersecurity basics like firewalls, encryption, and malware. Practice problem-solving and thinking like a hacker. This means learning how attackers break systems so you can protect them. Ethical…

A subnet mask is a number used in networking to divide an IP address into two parts: the network part and the host part. In simple words, it helps devices understand which network they belong to and which devices are inside that same network. In TryHackMe, subnet masks are taught as part of networking basics. When you see an IP address like 192.168.1.1, it does not work alone. It needs a subnet mask like 255.255.255.0 to define the network range. The subnet mask works by marking which part of the IP is fixed (network) and which part can change (hosts).…

Protecting classified data is very important for businesses, especially in the USA where data laws are strict. Classified data means sensitive information that must not be shared with unauthorized people. This includes personal records, financial data, and business secrets. If this data is leaked, it can cause serious damage like financial loss, legal issues, and loss of trust. The best way to protect classified data is to use a mix of security methods. No single solution is enough. Companies should combine technology, policies, and employee awareness. This includes encryption, access control, data classification, and regular monitoring. Many people search what…

A security classification guide (SCG) in cyber awareness 2026 is an official document used by organizations, especially government and defense sectors, to determine how sensitive information should be classified, labeled, and protected. It provides clear instructions on whether information should be marked as Top Secret, Secret, Confidential, or Unclassified. The purpose of this guide is to ensure that employees and contractors understand how to handle sensitive information properly. In cyber security environments, data is constantly created, shared, and stored. Without clear classification rules, sensitive information could easily be exposed or mishandled. The security classification guide explains what type of information…

Enumeration in cyber security is the process of collecting detailed information about a target system, network, or server after initial scanning. It helps security professionals identify users, devices, services, and system details inside a network. Ethical hackers and penetration testers use enumeration to understand how a system works and where weaknesses might exist. In the cyber attack lifecycle, enumeration usually happens after reconnaissance and scanning. During reconnaissance, basic information about the target is gathered. Scanning then identifies open ports and active services. Enumeration goes deeper by extracting detailed information from those services. For example, if a scan shows that port…

A Security Classification Guide (SCG) is a document used in cybersecurity and information protection. It explains how to classify sensitive information so that it is protected properly. In cyber awareness training, the guide helps employees, government workers, and security professionals understand which information is public and which information must be restricted. The main purpose of a security classification guide is to prevent sensitive data from being exposed or leaked. It tells people how to label documents, emails, files, and digital information. For example, some information may be marked Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret depending on its importance and risk level.…

In cyber security, a payload is the part of a cyberattack that performs the harmful action on a system. It is the code that runs after an attacker successfully delivers malware into a device, network, or application. The payload is usually hidden inside files, emails, websites, or software downloads. To understand it simply, think of a cyberattack as having two main parts. The first part is the delivery method, which helps the attacker enter the system. This may happen through phishing emails, infected links, or vulnerable software. The second part is the payload, which carries out the real attack. A…