At its core, **accretion** refers to a gradual increase in value over time. In finance, this concept manifests across several domains, such as:
1. **Accounting:** Recognising the incremental growth of revenues or assets.
2. **Bonds:** Capturing the capital gains as discounted bonds approach maturity.
3. **Corporate Finance:** Measuring the incremental value generated from mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
Remote Code Execution (RCE) refers to the ability of an attacker to execute malicious code on a target system from a remote location. This can occur through exploiting vulnerabilities in software applications, web servers, or network protocols. RCE vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can allow attackers to bypass traditional security measures, granting them full control over compromised systems. Once an RCE exploit is successful, attackers can run commands, install malware, steal sensitive data, and even alter business-critical applications.
Rogue software refers to malicious software that appears legitimate but is designed to deceive users into purchasing unnecessary security products or divulging confidential information. These programs often masquerade as antivirus tools, system optimisers, or ransomware protection. However, instead of securing systems, rogue software compromises them, making it harder for businesses to protect their data and assets.
ROI in information security is often seen as “the cost of what didn’t happen” — breaches that didn’t occur, penalties that were avoided, and reputational damage that never materialised. However, this doesn’t mean that the value of cybersecurity investments cannot be measured. By analysing key factors such as risk reduction, cost savings, and business continuity, companies can effectively quantify the ROI of their ISAs and broader security initiatives.
Vulnerability management is the proactive process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating vulnerabilities within an organisation’s IT infrastructure. It involves a systematic approach to discovering and addressing weaknesses that malicious actors could exploit.