[Cyber Security Terms](/glossary) Cache [Blog](/blog)[Breaches](/breaches)[Resources](/resources)[News](/news) [Cyber Security Terms](/glossary) # Cache ##### [Catherine Chipeta](/team/catherine-chipeta) updated Oct 18, 2021 ###### Contents ## What is a Cache? Caches temporarily store data that hardware or software frequently access. As cached data is stored closer to a device, it enables faster load times and improved user experience. Caches work by storing readily available copies of small data files, removing the need to retrieve such data from larger memory banks - a much slower process. The specific way caches operate depends on their type - the device or application where they are located. ## Types of Caches 1. Central Processing Unit (CPU) Cache 2. Web Cache (or HTTP Cache), including: Web Client Cache (or Web Browser Cache) and Web Server Cache 3. Database Cache 4. Content Delivery Network (CDN) Cache 5. Domain Name System (DNS) Cache ## Cache Benefits * Improved Speeds * Reduced Network Congestion * Offline Access ## Cache Drawbacks * Performance Issues * Delayed Updates * [Cybersecurity Risks]() ## Why You Should Clear Cache Caches drawbacks are all cause to clear cache routinely. Sometimes cache stores corrupted files or does not update files when needed, which causes performance issues and can even cause applications to crash. Cached data also broadens your [attack surface](https://www.upguard.com/blog/attack-surface), for example, web browsers stores [sensitive data](https://www.upguard.com/blog/sensitive-data) like [personally identifiable information (PII)](), transaction history, and browsing history. Clearing cache, especially on public networks, can help improve [data security](https://www.upguard.com/blog/data-security). ## Key takeaways * Caches store temporary data files which devices access frequently to allow faster and repeated usage. * Cache types are categorized by the device or application on which they are operating. * Cache should be cleared regularly to ensure functionality, improve data security, and reduce cyber risks. * * ###### Reviewed by No items found. ###### Author ##### [Catherine Chipeta](/team/catherine-chipeta) ###### Reviewed by ##### [Kaushik Sen](/team/kaushik-sen) ###### Join 27,000+ cybersecurity newsletter subscribers ## Read more about Caches Learn more about Cache and the latest issues in cybersecurity. [UpGuard](/blog/cache-poisoning) [What is Cache Poisoning?](/blog/cache-poisoning) #### [What is Cache Poisoning?](/blog/cache-poisoning) Cache poisoning occurs when cybercriminals target Domain Name Systems cache with malicious intent. Learn more. [](/team/axel-sukianto) [Axel Sukianto](#) November 18, 2024 [UpGuard](/blog/cache) [Cache Explained: How It Works, Types, and When to Clear It](/blog/cache) #### [Cache Explained: How It Works, Types, and When to Clear It](/blog/cache) A cache is a temporary data storage location that stores copies of frequently accessed data or files. Learn more about its types and uses. [](/team/catherine-chipeta) [Catherine Chipeta](#) October 14, 2026 [UpGuard](/blog/man-in-the-middle-attack) [What Is a Man-in-the-Middle Attack? Prevention Tips and Guide](/blog/man-in-the-middle-attack) #### [What Is a Man-in-the-Middle Attack? Prevention Tips and Guide](/blog/man-in-the-middle-attack) A man-in-the-middle attack (MITM attack) is a cyber attack where an attacker relays and possibly alters communication between two parties. [](/team/abi-tyas-tunggal) [Abi Tyas Tunggal](#) October 11, 2026 [UpGuard](/blog/dns-spoofing) [What is DNS Spoofing?](/blog/dns-spoofing) #### [What is DNS Spoofing?](/blog/dns-spoofing) This is a complete overview of DNS spoofing. Learn how DNS cache poisoning can impact your organization's cybersecurity in this in-depth post. [](/team/abi-tyas-tunggal) [Abi Tyas Tunggal](#) June 24, 2025 [UpGuard](/blog/top-20-owasp-vulnerabilities-and-how-to-fix-them) [Top 20 OWASP Vulnerabilities And How To Fix Them Infographic](/blog/top-20-owasp-vulnerabilities-and-how-to-fix-them) #### [Top 20 OWASP Vulnerabilities And How To Fix Them Infographic](/blog/top-20-owasp-vulnerabilities-and-how-to-fix-them) Learn how to fix these top 20 OWASP web application vulnerabilities that could lead to a compromise. [](/team/abi-tyas-tunggal) [Abi Tyas Tunggal](#) January 7, 2025 [View all blog posts](/blog) ## See UpGuard In Action Book a free, personalized onboarding call with one of our cybersecurity experts. [Contact sales](/demo) [Free demo](/demo) ## More from our blog Learn more about the latest issues in cybersecurity. [UpGuard](/blog/find-out-if-youre-exposed-on-the-dark-web) [Find Out if You're Exposed on the Dark Web](/blog/find-out-if-youre-exposed-on-the-dark-web) #### [Find Out if You're Exposed on the Dark Web](/blog/find-out-if-youre-exposed-on-the-dark-web) Answer 5 quick questions to predict what a dark web scan will find about your company. Then run the free scan to see your real exposure. [](/team/lance-turner) [Lance Turner](#) October 14, 2026 [UpGuard](/blog/upguard-named-leader-in-idc-marketscape) [The Evidence Is In: UpGuard Named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape for Worldwide Third-Party Risk Management](/blog/upguard-named-leader-in-idc-marketscape) #### [The Evidence Is In: UpGuard Named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape for Worldwide Third-Party Risk Management](/blog/upguard-named-leader-in-idc-marketscape) UpGuard has been named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Third-Party Risk Management Services 2026 Vendor Assessment. Find out why. [](/team/cassy-van-eeden) [Cassy van Eeden](#) October 18, 2026 [UpGuard](/blog/your-first-dark-web-scan-report-explained) [Your First Dark Web Scan Report, Explained](/blog/your-first-dark-web-scan-report-explained) #### [Your First Dark Web Scan Report, Explained](/blog/your-first-dark-web-scan-report-explained) You scanned your domain. What do the results mean? [](/team/lance-turner) [Lance Turner](#) October 11, 2026 [UpGuard](/blog/ai-evidence-analysis-tools-for-tprm) [We Researched Four AI Evidence Analysis Tools for TPRM. Here’s What We Found.](/blog/ai-evidence-analysis-tools-for-tprm) #### [We Researched Four AI Evidence Analysis Tools for TPRM. Here’s What We Found.](/blog/ai-evidence-analysis-tools-for-tprm) We researched four AI evidence-parsing tools against four criteria that security teams often overlook. None nailed all four. [](/team/cassy-van-eeden) [Cassy van Eeden](#) September 29, 2026 [UpGuard](/blog/cybersecurity-horror-stories-2026) [12 Cybersecurity Horror Stories of 2026 (No Costume Required)](/blog/cybersecurity-horror-stories-2026) #### [12 Cybersecurity Horror Stories of 2026 (No Costume Required)](/blog/cybersecurity-horror-stories-2026) A warning ignored once becomes a headline. Read more about these 12 real 2026 cybersecurity incidents, and the sign each one gave before it made the news. [](/team/revashni-moodley) [Revashni Moodley](#) October 14, 2026 [UpGuard](/blog/good-security-rating-your-dark-web-exposure-says-otherwise) [Good Security Rating? Your Dark Web Exposure Says Otherwise](/blog/good-security-rating-your-dark-web-exposure-says-otherwise) #### [Good Security Rating? Your Dark Web Exposure Says Otherwise](/blog/good-security-rating-your-dark-web-exposure-says-otherwise) Scan your domain to see just how exposed you are on the Dark Web. [](/team/lance-turner) [Lance Turner](#) October 11, 2026 [View all blog posts](/blog) ### Sign up for our newsletter UpGuard's monthly newsletter cuts through the noise and brings you what matters most: our breaking research, in-depth analysis of emerging threats, and actionable strategic insights. ##### Free instant security score ## How secure is your organization? 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