Backdoor - an unauthorized method into a computer device.
Back up (verb) - to copy an electronic record to ensure its information will not be lost, often while compressing data to save space.
Backup (noun) - a copy of an electronic record, maintained to protect the information from loss and often compressed to save space.
Bot – Short for robot, software that runs automated tasks on command.
Botnet – A network of bots connected via the Internet to perform tasks, such as installing malware, or sending spam.
Compromised computer – A computer that cannot be considered secure, because it has been infected with malware, been accessed by someone without authority to access it, or been subject to some other form of malicious attack.
Configure - to choose options in order to create a custom system.
Denial of Service (DoS) - an attack that successfully pre- vents or impairs the authorized functionality of networks, systems or applications by exhausting resources. This activity includes being the victim or participating in the DoS.
Drive-By Download – When a malicious web site downloads software without your knowledge.
Encryption – The process of transforming information to make it unreadable to anyone who doesn't’ have the password.
Firmware - software that is embedded into hardware; it can be updated and accessed by the user.
Firewall - a security system that uses hardware and/or software mechanisms to prevent unauthorized users from accessing an organization’s internal computer network.
Any machine connecting to the Internet should utilize a firewall. There are two types of firewalls. Software firewalls usually run on PCs. Hardware firewalls are separate devices designed to efficiently protect computers. They are usually used by businesses, organizations, schools and governments. All firewall protection creates a barrier between the computers and the Internet.
Flash drives/thumb drives - very small portable storage devices that may store very large (gig) quantities of information and can be attached to a USB or firewire port quickly and easily to transfer files.
Instant Messaging (IM) - the ability to exchange short messages online with coworkers or others. IM solutions can take several forms. They can use an existing Internet based service, or they can be an Intranet only solution implemented and controlled within an IT department. The latter is significantly more secure than the former, but lacks access to business partners.
Keylogger – Software that records what you type, and transmits it from your computer, to be seen on someone else’s monitor at a remote location.
Malware – A contraction of “malicious software,” malware is a general term used to describe software that infiltrates or damages a computer.
PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) - small portable computing devices that may contain email, calendars, telephone and other personal information.
Phishing – The process of attempting to acquire sensitive information used for identity theft, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an email or instant message, or via a web site or telephone call.
Software Patches - fixes to correct a problem. People are constantly finding security holes (i.e. vulnerabilities) in computer software which could be used to infect your computer with a virus, spyware or worse. When vulnerabilities are discovered, the software vendor typically issues a fix (i.e. patch) to correct the problem. This fix should be applied as soon as possible because the average time for someone to try to exploit this security hole can be as little as a few days.
Spyware – Malware whose principle aim is to surreptitiously collect info by “spying” on the user.
Trojan – Malware that appears to perform a benign or useful action but in fact performs a malicious action, such as transmitting a computer virus.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator) - the Internet address on the World Wide Web. It usually begins with http://www followed by the rest of the name of the resource. It is the common name for a site’s web page.
Virus – Self-replicating malware that attaches itself to a digital document or application, then spreads through copies of that document or application that are shared, frequently via email or USB drives. Viruses almost always corrupt or modify files.
Vulnerability – A weakness in a computer that allows an attacker to make unauthorized changes. Vulnerabilities may result from weak passwords, poor configuration, or software bugs.
Worm – Self-replicating malware that can move from computer to computer on the network. Unlike a virus, it does not need to attach itself to an existing document or application. Worms almost always cause harm to the network, if only by consuming bandwidth.
Zombie – A computer that has been compromised, often by a botnet, so that an unauthorized person has complete control to use the computer to perform malicious tasks.
