For many who want to learn more about cybersecurity, knowing where to start can be difficult. Non-technical audiences—especially policymakers—are often separated from experts by a language gap ( just look at WillUsingThePrefixCyberMakeMeLookLikeAnIdiot.com).

The Wilson Center’s Codex project is an evolving, introductory guide to key terms in digital security. In this and future editions, we hope to supply readers with the vocabulary to ask questions, parse answers, and deepen their next conversation on internet policy issues.