In this lesson, join Nick Palazzolo, CPA, as he breaks down IT Security Terms in an easy-to-grasp manner, making the complex world of cybersecurity more accessible. Starting with encryption, Nick compares the process to writing a secret message, ensuring confidentiality of the information being shared. He unravels how cryptography works, the role of digital signatures in authenticating messages and transactions, and how VPNs function to provide secure internet tunneling for both work and entertainment purposes. Nick also elucidates on the importance of various controls: physical controls that include biometric devices and key cards, logical controls like antivirus and firewalls, and administrative controls that cover policies such as separation of duties. The lesson wraps up with a discussion on firewalls, painting a clear picture of this critical network security device that stands as a bulwark between private networks and the public internet, monitoring traffic to keep data safe.