Version 2.0

Cybersecurity Style Guide

X

X.509

Certificate standard used in internet protocols like SSL/TLS.

x86

An instruction set architecture for microprocessors, primarily in intensive computing devices and laptops. Pronounced as numbers and letters.

Xbox

Related:

XHR

Short for XMLHttpRequest. An API. Spell out on first use.

XKeyscore

A system designed by the NSA to analyze internet data. Edward Snowden publicly disclosed this project.

XLSX, .xlsx file

An XML-based spreadsheet file. Pronounced as letters.

XML, .xml file

Short for extensible markup language. Use “an” before “XML file.” Pronounced as letters.

XOR (adj.)

Short for exclusive or. Commonly used in phrases such as XOR operation, XOR encryption, or XOR cipher. Pronounced as “X-or.”

XPP3

An XML parser.

XSS

Short for cross-site scripting. Types of XSS include reflected, stored, and DOM-based. Write as “an XSS.” Pronounced as letters or the whole phrase. Spell out on first use.

XXE

XML external entity. Write as “an XXE.” XXE is pronounced as letters or the whole phrase. Spell out on first use. Do not pluralize the acronym.

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