Introduction to Linux, SQL, and Python

Programming languages and operating systems to accomplish essential tasks

Programming:

Used to create a specific set of instructions for a computer to execute tasks

Linux:

An open-source operating system

Structured Query Language (SQL):

A programming language used to create, interact with, and request information from a database

Database:

An organized collection of information or data

Python:

Used to perform tasks that are repetitive and time-consuming, and that require a high level of detail accuracy

Operating systems:

The interface between computer hardware and the user. Linux®, macOS®, and Windows are operating systems. They each offer different functionality and user experiences.

Web vulnerability:

Malicious code or behavior that's used to take advantage of coding flaws in a web application. Vulnerable web applications can be exploited by threat actors, allowing unauthorized access, data theft, and malware deployment.

To stay up-to-date on the most critical risks to web applications, review the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Top 10.

Antivirus software:

A software program used to prevent, detect, and eliminate malware and viruses. It is also called anti-malware. Depending on the type of antivirus software, it can scan the memory of a device to find patterns that indicate the presence of malware.

Intrusion detection system (IDS):

An application that monitors system activity and alerts on possible intrusions. The system scans and analyzes network packets, which carry small amounts of data through a network. The small amount of data makes the detection process easier for an IDS to identify potential threats to sensitive data. Other occurrences an IDS might detect can include theft and unauthorized access.

Encryption:

The process of converting data from a readable format to a cryptographically encoded format. Cryptographic encoding means converting plaintext into secure ciphertext. Plaintext is unencrypted information and secure ciphertext is the result of encryption. A cryptographic form of code is used to communicate in secret and prevent unauthorized, unapproved access to data, programs, or devices.

Note: Encoding and encryption serve different purposes. Encoding uses a public conversion algorithm to enable systems that use different data representations to share information. Encryption makes data unreadable and difficult to decode for an unauthorized user; its main goal is to ensure confidentiality of private data.

Penetration testing (pen testing):

The act of participating in a simulated attack that helps identify vulnerabilities in systems, networks, websites, applications, and processes. It is a thorough risk assessment that can evaluate and identify external and internal threats as well as weaknesses.