Glossary

The terms included in this jargon buster and in the tooltips on this site are explained in the context of online safety and information security.

  • WPA2

    WiFi Protected Access 2: a type of data encryption to prevent eavesdropping and access to a wireless network by malicious users. Defined by the 802.11 standard. Provides stronger security than WPA or WEP.

  • WPA

    WiFi Protected Access: a type of data encryption to prevent eavesdropping and access to a wireless network by malicious users. Defined by the 802.11 standard. Provides stronger security than WEP.

  • Worm

    A type of virus which can spread itself across networks needing no human intervention to do so.

  • Wireless network

    A local area network which uses radio signals instead of a wire to transmit data.

  • Wireless hotspot

    A publicly accessible wireless internet connection.

  • Wi-Fi

    A local area network which uses radio signals instead of a wire to transmit data.

  • WEP

    Wired Equivalent Privacy: a type of data encryption to prevent eavesdropping and access to a wireless network by malicious users. Defined by the 802.11 standard.

  • Webmail

    An email system that uses a web browser to read and send emails, rather than a standalone email program such as Microsoft Outlook or Apple Mail.

  • Vulnerability

    Any product flaw, administrative process or act, or physical exposure that makes a computer susceptible to attack by a malicious user.

  • VoIP

    Voice over IP: a technology for transmitting phone-like voice conversations over the internet.

  • Vishing

    The practice of attempting to obtain personal or financial information via a telephone call in order to commit fraud or identity theft.

  • Virus signature

    A virus’s ‘fingerprint’ which contains the characteristics of a virus or type of virus.  Internet security software uses a database of signatures to detect viruses.

  • Virus

    A file written with the sole intention of doing harm, or for criminal activity.

  • Virtual Private Network

    Virtual Private Network: a method of creating a secure connection between two points over the internet. Normally used only for business-to-business communications.

  • Username

    A code name that, with a password, unlocks a user account.

  • User account

    Gives individuals access to files and programs on a computer. Access is often controlled by login.

  • Usenet

    An internet-based public bulletin board system that allows users to post messages to different newsgroups.

  • USB

    Universal Serial Bus: a means of physically connecting computers and peripherals such as external storage, keyboards and MP3 players.

  • Two factor authentication

    A method of obtaining additional evidence of identity to simply using passwords – such as a bank card.

  • Trojan

    Software posing as an authentic application, which actually conceals an item of malware. Term comes from Trojan Horse in Greek mythology.

  • Traffic

    The transmission of information over a network or the internet.

  • Token

    A physical object, such as a smart card, used to authenticate users.

  • Terabyte

    1000 gigabytes.

  • TCP/IP

    Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol. The protocols, or conventions, that computers use to communicate over the internet.

  • Tablet

    An ultra-portable, touchscreen computer which shares much of the functionality and also the operating system of smartphones, but generally with more computing power.

  • Sync

    To link two devices – typically a computer and smartphone or tablet – to ensure they hold the same data such as contacts, emails and music files. Short for synchronise.

  • SSL

    Secure Socket Layer, an encryption system that secures internet communications.

  • SSID

    The wireless network name which enables users and WiFi-enabled devices to identify one wireless network from another. Acronym for service set identifier.

  • Spyware

    Malware that secretly monitors a user’s activity or scans for private information.

  • Spoofing

    When an unauthorised person makes a message (typically an email) appear to come from a genuine sender by using either the genuine or a very similar address.

  • Spam

    Unsolicited commercial e-mail. Also known as junk e-mail.

  • Social engineering

    Use of deceit offline to gain access to secure systems or personal information, for example impersonating a technical support agent.

  • Smartphone

    A mobile phone built on a mobile computing platform, with more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a standard mobile phone.

  • Smart card

    A form of user authentication that relies on a credit card-sized card with an embedded chip.

  • Skimming

    The act of counterfeiting a bank card by using a device to capture the card and account information embedded on the card’s magnetic strip.

  • Server

    A computer that serves files or services to other computers over a network or the internet.

  • Security exploit

    A piece of software or sequence of commands that takes advantage of a software bug, glitch or vulnerability to cause problems, often with criminal intent.

  • Script kiddies

    Hackers who carry out their illicit activity for notoriety rather than criminal intent.

  • Router

    A device that routes network or internet traffic. Typically found in home/small office environments within a WiFi device (wireless hub).

  • Root kit

    A set of tools used by hackers to get control of a computer.

  • Removable media

    Storage devices that can be removed from a computer, such as CDs/DVDs, USB sticks and portable hard drives.

  • Recordable DVD

    A DVD that is capable of storing data when used in a DVD recorder.

  • QR Code

    A code designed to be scanned by smartphone camera, which contains a link to a website belonging to the code’s originator. Like a barcode, not readable by the human eye.

  • Proxy server

    A server that manages internet traffic to and from a local area network and can provide other functions, such as internet access control.

  • Profile

    A list of personal details revealed by users of social networking, gaming, dating and other websites. Profiles may normally be configured to be public or private.

  • Privileged user access

    Access rights to computers or data – normally varying between users according to what they are and are not entitled to see.

  • Premium rate

    A telephone number, typically prefixed by 09, which is very expensive when dialled. Often connected with scams.

  • Port

    A physical or virtual connection in a computer that enables applications to communicate with pre-determined external devices.

  • Pop-up

    A small window which appears over a web page, usually to display an advertisement.

  • Piracy

    Illegal duplication or use of material covered by intellectual property laws, such as copyright.

  • Ping

    A simple program that communicates with another computer over a network to see if it is responsive.

  • PIN

    Personal Identification Number.

  • Phishing

    An attempt at identity theft in which criminals lead users to a counterfeit website in the hope that they will disclose private information such as user names or passwords.

  • Pharming

    An exploit in which criminals disrupt the normal functioning of DNS software which translates internet domain names into addresses. The user enters a correct address but is redirected to a fake website.

  • Penetration testing

    Legally hacking into a computer system or website with the approval of the owner, to reveal vulnerabilities and finding opportunities for improving its security.

  • Peer-to-peer

    A network typically used to share music and video files and applications between individuals over the internet.

  • PDF

    Portable Document Format: a method of saving a document so that it can be opened and viewed on devices using different operating systems.

  • Patch

    A software update, often related to improving security.

  • Pairing

    When two Bluetooth-enabled devices are linked in order to communicate with each other.

  • Padlock

    A symbol in a web browser that indicates that an encrypted (SSL) connection is being used to communicate with a site that has a valid certificate. Normally accompanied by ‘https’ at the beginning of the address line.

  • Owned

    When a computer has been taken over by hackers.

  • Operating system

    The software that enables your computer or mobile device to operate.

  • Open source

    A term generally used to describe computer software that has been developed in a collaborative way, often by volunteers on a non-commercial basis.

  • Online backup

    A backup method in which data is transmitted over the internet for storage, often referred to as ‘cloud’ backup.

  • Non-repudiation

    The ability to prove that a specific individual has carried out an activity on a computer or online, so that it cannot later be denied.

  • Network

    A number of computers that are connected to one another, together with the connecting infrastructure.

  • MP3 player

    A device that plays MP3 music files.

  • MP3

    The technology used to store sound files, typically for music or podcasts.

  • Money mule

    Someone who is recruited by a fraudster to transfer money illegally gained in one country to another country, usually where the fraudster lives. The term comes from an analogy with drug mules.

  • Memory stick

    A removable memory device, normally connected to a computer via USB.

  • Megabyte

    1000 kilobytes.

  • Malware

    Software used or created by hackers to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems. Short for ‘malicious software’.

  • Macro virus

    virus which uses the macro capabilities of common applications such as spreadsheets and word processors to implement virus-like behaviour.

  • Macro

    A type of programme used to eliminate the need to repeat the steps of common tasks over and over – such as adding or removing rows and columns or protecting or unprotecting worksheets.

  • Log file

    A file that lists actions that have occurred.

  • LAN

    Local Area Network: a local computer for communication between computers. Can be wired or wireless.

  • Linux

    An open-source, freely-available operating system.

  • Laundering

    The process of concealing the source of money obtained illegally, by carrying out financial transactions or operating fake businesses in order to camouflage the illegal source.

  • Kilobyte

    1000 bytes.

  • Key logger

    A virus or physical device that logs keystrokes in order to capture private information, passwords or credit card information.

  • Javascript

    A programming language derived from Java that is used to make web pages more interactive.

  • Java

    One of today’s most popular and widely used programming languages. Originally developed by Sun Microsystems (now Oracle).

  • IPSec

    IP Security: IPSec provides security for transmission of sensitive information over unprotected networks such as the Internet. IPSec acts at the network layer, protecting and authenticating IP packets between participating IPSec devices.

  • IP address

    Internet Protocol address: a unique address that is used to identify a computer or mobile device on the internet.

  • ISP

    Internet Service Provider: a company that provides access to the internet.

  • iOS

    Apple’s operating system used on its iPhone and iPad devices.

  • Instant messaging

    Chat conversations between two or more people via typing on computers or portable devices. Systems include BlackBerry Messenger, Facebook Chat, MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo!

  • Information security

    The discipline of protecting computers and data from misuse.

  • Information Commissioner

    The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the independent public body set up to uphold information rights in the public interest, responsible for upholding the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

  • Incremental backup

    A backup where only files that have been changed or added since the last backup are stored, making it faster than a full backup.

  • IMEI

    International Mobile Equipment Identification: a unique serial number built into mobile phones and tablets. To determine a device’s IMEI number, dial *#06# on the device.

  • IETF

    Internet Engineering Task Force is the body that defines the standards underlying the internet.

  • Identity theft

    The crime of impersonating someone – by using their private information – for financial gain.

  • iCloud

    Apple’s secure cloud storage and backup product.

  • HTML

    Hypertext Mark up Language: the computer code that is used to form the basis of building web pages.

  • Hotspot

    A publicly accessible wireless internet connection.

  • Honey pot

    A security feature built into a network, designed to lure hackers into meaningless locations to avoid harm to genuine, crucial data.

  • Hoax email

    An email that makes a false claim with criminal intentions, for example a virus warning. These emails may in fact carry a real virus and are designed to make the virus spread rapidly.

  • Hard disk

    A fixed magnetic disk drive used to store data on computers.

  • Hacker

    A hacker is a person who violates computer security for malicious reasons or for personal gain.

  • Grooming

    The process by which someone develops a relationship with someone else with illegal or immoral intent. Often used to describe how paedophiles develop relationships with unsuspecting children.

  • Gigabyte

    1000 megabytes

  • Gateway firewall

    A firewall that operates at the point where a private local area network connects to the public internet.

  • Full backup

    A backup where all the chosen files are backed up, regardless of whether they have changed since the last backup.

  • FTP

    File Transfer Protocol, a method of transmitting data files over the internet, normally between businesses.

  • Freeloading

    Where unauthorised users gain access to your wireless network connection.

  • Firewall

    Hardware or software designed to prevent unauthorised access to a computer or network over the internet.

  • Fingerprint recognition

    A biometric form of authentication using fingerprints. Used increasingly on PCs as an alternative to passwords.

  • File sharing

    Making files available over the internet to other users, typically music or video files.

  • .exe file

    Executable file: used by programs to install and run on computers.

  • Escrow

    A trusted third party service that holds money, software or other assets pending completion of a transaction.

  • Encrypted

    The process of converting data into cipher text (a type of code) to prevent it from being understood by an unauthorised party.

  • Email filter

    Software that scans incoming email for spam or viruses, or outgoing email for viruses – and filters it accordingly.

  • Email attachment

    Files, such as documents or photographs, that are attached to an email.

  • Elevation of privilege

    When a user (particularly a malicious user) gains more access rights than they normally have.

  • Eavesdropping

    Listening in to voice or data traffic without the knowledge or consent of the sender or recipient.

  • Easter egg

    An unexpected ‘feature’ built into a computer program by the author. Can be added for fun or malicious intent.

  • Dumpster diving

    A method of social engineering in which criminals raid rubbish bins to gather personal information.

  • Download

    To obtain content from the internet, as an email attachment or from a remote computer, to your own hard drive.

  • Domain Name Server (DNS)

    A server that converts recognisable domain names (eg microsoft.com) into their unique IP address (eg 207.46.245.222).

  • Domain name

    A website address, alternatively known as a URL.

  • Discoverable

    The status of a Bluetooth device that has been set up to broadcast its existence to other Bluetooth devices.

  • Digital signature

    Data that is used to identify and authenticate the sender and integrity of the message data. Can be bundled with a message or transmitted separately.

  • Desktop firewall

    Software designed to prevent unauthorised access to a computer over the internet.

  • Denial of service attack

    Deliberate overloading of a service by criminals to make it unavailable to legitimate users. For example, by arranging millions of simultaneous visits to a website – normally from a Bot Net.

  • Decryption

    The process of converting encrypted data back into its original form.

  • Data Protection Act (DPA)

    The Data Protection Act 1998 sets out the legal basis for handling, processing and protecting personal data in the UK.

  • Critical update

    A software update that fixes a security flaw.

  • Cracking

    Finding a password, password or PIN by trying many combinations of characters.

  • Cookie

    A small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer’s hard drive. Cookies allow web applications to personalise your experience by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.

  • Cloud computing

    The delivery of storage and computing capacity to end users via the internet. Commonly used for backing up data and hosting applications.

  • Cloud

    See cloud computing.

  • Client

    An application or system that accesses a service made available by a server – generally refers to a personal computer on a network.

  • Chat room

    An online discussion group where you can chat (by typing) with other users in real time.

  • Chargeback

    The process of reversing a transaction and return of payment to a customer – typically when goods have not been received or are faulty.

  • Certificate

    An encrypted file containing user or server identification information, which is used to verify a website owner’s identity and to help establish a security-enhanced link.

  • Byte

    A unit or measure of computer memory, usually consisting of eight binary digits (bits) processed together; usually enough to store a single letter or digit.

  • Bug

    An error or flaw in a computer program.

  • Buffer overflow

    When more information is added to a buffer than it was designed to hold. An attacker may exploit this vulnerability to take over a system.

  • Buffer

    A region of memory in which data is temporarily held before it is transferred between two locations or devices.

  • Browser

    A program that lets users read and navigate pages on the Internet, such as Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, Mozilla’s Firefox, Google’s Chrome or Apple’s Safari.

  • Botnet

    A collection of otherwise unrelated PCs which have been infected by a virus and which are under the central control of criminals or hackers. Abbreviation for Robot Network.

  • Boot password

    A password that is needed before a computer starts up or any operating system can be loaded.

  • Boot

    To start up or reset a computer, mobile phone or tablet.

  • Bluetooth

    A type of short-range wireless connection between devices like mobile phones, headsets and computers.

  • Bit

    The basic binary unit of data, representing 0 or 1.

  • BIOS password

    The BIOS software is built into the PC, and is the first software run by a PC when powered up. This software can be password protected, which stops the PC from starting up.

  • Biometric

    Using body measurements, such as fingerprints and irises, as a means of authentication.

  • Bandwidth

    The speed at which a network can transmit data – typically used to describe speed of internet connections.

  • Backup

    Copying data to ensure its availability in the case of computer failure or loss.

  • Back door

    A loophole in a computer’s security systems that allows a hacker to gain access. Often deliberately built in by developers for illicit purposes.

  • Authentication

    The process for verifying that someone or something is who or what it claims to be. In private and public computer networks (including the internet), authentication is generally done with passwords.

  • Attachment

    Files, such as programs or documents, that are attached to an email.

  • ATM

    Automated Teller Machine: a cash machine, often referred to as a ‘hole the wall’.

  • Antivirus software

    Software specifically designed for the detection and prevention of known viruses. Often bundled in an internet security package.

  • Antispyware software

    Software specifically designed for the detection and prevention of spyware. Often bundled in an internet security package.

  • Android

    An operating system used by a number of smartphone and tablet manufacturers. The world’s most prolific operating system for smartphones.

  • AIM

    AOL’s instant messaging system.

  • Adware

    A form of spyware that displays unwanted advertisements on a computer.

  • Advance fee fraud

    Any fraud that tricks victims into paying money up front on the false hope of receiving something significant later.

  • Administrator

    A user with sufficient access rights to allow them to manage the access rights of other users and carry out other high-level computer management tasks.

  • ActiveX controls

    They can enhance your browsing experience by allowing animation or help with tasks such as installing security updates at Microsoft Update. If you do not trust the website and publisher, click ‘Don’t run’ when prompted.

  • Access control

    Controlling who has access to what information.

  • 802.11

    The standard for wireless networks.

  • 419 scam

    A type of advance fee fraud, where you are asked to help transfer money out of another country. It originated in West Africa, and 419 is the section of the Nigerian legal code that covers the crime.

  • Username

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  • Malware

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  • Blackmail

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