This glossary is a comprehensive resource for better understanding computer threats and security. Under each entry you will find information about what the concept it and What it does. You will also learn about why that particular concept is important to your understanding of computer security, and whether this concept relates to an asset or a threat (Friend or foe?). In addition, some of the most complex concepts are further illustrated with a Real World Analogy to help you visualize the idea, even if you only have the most basic understanding of computer technology.
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This glossary is not intended to be an Encyclopedia of Computer Protection terms. Instead, we intend to give visitors to our web-site the opportunity to quickly read up on terms used on our site they might be unfamiliar with. We do not make any claims for complete accuracy of the definitions listed here but we do make every effort to be as accurate as possible, these definitions are intended to be helpful within the context of this web-site.
Simply click on a letter below to view all the glossary terms beginning with that letter
What it is - ActiveX are software modules that are based on Microsofts component Object Model (COM) architecture - What it does - ActiveX controls are responsible for creating the softwares function. - Why you need to know about it - ActiveX controls can be integrated into web pages. If you run an ActiveX-compliant browser then the control can be downloaded, turning the web page into a software page like any other launched from your server. - Friend...
What it is - A type of report generated from a system record. - What it does - An activity log presents all of the recorded events for that system, in a sequential list. - Why you need to know about it - Unless otherwise modified an activity log will demonstrate all activities performed by the users and the programs on the system. This includes those activities performed by viruses and other malicious software. - Friend or foe?...
What it is - The person who is authorized to oversea the operation of a network. - What it does - The networks administrator is responsible for installing programs on the network and distributing them to individual workstations. - Why you need to know about it - The administrator generally has access that general users do not. For example, the administrator may be able to update security settings on a workstation. If a virus or other malicious software infects...
What it is - Adware is a monitoring and display program for advertising. - What it does - Adware monitors your browsing habits and displays advertisements that appear to match your interests. - Why you need to know about it - Adware is very prevalent, especially in conjunction with free programs and information. - Friend or foe? - Adware is a legitimate, non-replicating program. Although it can be a nuisance, it is the cost of using some free...
What it is - In general, an algorithm is a sequence mathematical or logical steps that must be followed to reach a conclusion. - What it does - Algorithms allow computer programs to operate in a dynamic function. They tell the computer If the user does this, then you must do that - Why you need to know about it - Specific algorithms can be very simple or astoundingly complex, but they are the basis for most computer and...
What it is - A general category of computer virus. - What it does - Anti-antivirus viruses are designed to attack, disable, or otherwise infect specific anti-virus software. - Why you need to know about it - Most of us rely on our anti-virus software to protect our computer from threats. Anti-antivirus viruses threaten this security. - Friend or foe? - This is a very dangerous category of virus. - Real world analogy - Computer viruses and...
What it is - A type of computer program that can be purchased and installed. - What it does - Antivirus software scans a computers memory and disk drives, searching for known viruses and signs of infections. Depending on the anti-virus software, it may clean, delete, or quarantine any programming that is infected. - Why you need to know about it - Anti-virus software is one of your best defences against computer security threats. - Friend or foe?...
What it is - A type of programming virus - What it does - Anti-virus viruses search out other viruses within the computers programs. - Why you need to know about it - This is an innovative tool in computer security. - Friend or foe? - Friend. Although Anti-Virus viruses may be called virus they are actually a protection tool. Think of it as fighting fire with fire.
What it is - A miniature application, of any kind, that is transported over the internet. - What it does - Applets can do many things, usually as added functionality for a web page. - Why you need to know about it - Applets are fairly common and are often embedded within the HTML page as a foreign program type. In most cases they are only able to access a very limited area of your system - an area...
What it is - A type of computer virus design - What it does - An armoured virus can have any number of functions. It is the fact that it prevents analysts from examining its code that makes it armoured. - Why you need to know about it - Armoured viruses are more difficult to detect and can be harder for anti-virus software to deal with. - Friend or foe? - Definitely a foe, and a potentially dangerous...
What it is - A text file that contains only ASCII characters. - What it does - ASCII files are pure text and program files, which do not provide hiding places for viruses. - Why you need to know about it - ASCII files are a good way to manage the security of your email communications. These files allow you to control the content and layout of your email, which ensures that it will be readable to most email...
What it is - ASCII is the American Standard Code for Information Interchange. - What it does - This standard code tells users how to assign numerical values to characters, including letters, punctuation, numbers, and other symbols. - Why you need to know about it - ASCII allows 128 characters that are the same on every computer, and an additional 128 characters through the extended ASCII, which vary between computers, programs, and fonts. - Friend or foe? -...
What it is - Any attempt to subvert or bypass a systems security, either actively or passively. - What it does - An active attack will attempt to alter or destroy data within the system. A passive attack will attempt to read or intercept data, without changing it. - Why you need to know about it - Attacks are threats to your computer, and thus to your personal information. Whether the attack is destroying content within your system or...
What it is - A set of characteristics that are assigned to a file or directory. - What it does - Attributes label files or directories to tell the computer how that data is to be managed. For example, attributes include read-only, archive, hidden, or system. - Why you need to know about it - All files and directories are assigned some type of attributes. Viruses may seek specific attributes or they may also work to change the attributes...
What it is - An assurance that the transaction is legitimate. For example, an authentication may be a reference code, a password, or other certificate. - What it does - An authentication is a mode for insuring that the user is legitimate and not an imposter. - Why you need to know about it - Everyone looks the same online, so authentications are required to ensure that the user or program is as it appears to be. You require...
McAfee
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AVG
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SPAMfighter
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