IT Vocabulary
The physical components of a computer system, such as the hard drive, monitor, and keyboard.
What is hardware?
You should create these using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and never reuse them across sites.
What are strong passwords?
Leaving your company laptop unlocked and unattended in a public place or coffee shop.
What is a weak password?
A type of social engineering where attackers disguise themselves as a trustworthy entity via email to trick you into revealing sensitive information.
What is phishing?
A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
What is a firewall?
Programs, data, and instructions that tell a computer what to do.
What is software?
The routine practice of copying important data and storing it in a separate, secure location.
What is a data backup?
Leaving your company laptop unlocked and unattended in a public place or coffee shop.
What is leaving a device unsecured?
Malicious software that blocks access to a computer system or encrypts files until a ransom is paid.
What is ransomware?
The science of encoding and decoding digital messages to keep them secure from unauthorized eyes.
What is encryption?
The central processing unit, often referred to as the "brain" of the computer.
What is the CPU?
A security process where a user provides two different authentication factors to verify themselves (e.g., a password plus a code sent to a phone).
What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) / Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
Plugging an unknown, found USB flash drive directly into your work computer out of curiosity.
What is using untrusted removable media?
An attack that floods a network, server, or website with massive amounts of traffic to overwhelm it and crash it.
What is spyware?
Often considered the "weakest link" in corporate security due to mistakes, falling for scams, or fatigue.
What is human error?
A secure network that uses encryption to allow remote users to access a private network safely over the internet.
What is a VPN?
You must apply these security fixes regularly to your operating system and software to close vulnerabilities.
What are updates?
Plugging an unknown, found USB flash drive directly into your work computer out of curiosity.
What is using untrusted removable media?
Secret software installed on a device without consent to monitor user activity, record keystrokes, and steal data.
What is spyware?
A simulated cyberattack launched internally on a company's employees to test their security awareness.
What is a phishing simulation?
The practice of protecting systems, networks, programs, and data from digital attacks.
What is cybersecurity?
The security habit of locking your computer screen every single time you step away from your workstation.
What is locking your screen?
Giving your corporate login credentials or password to a coworker because they need quick access.
What is sharing credentials?
A targeted phishing attack directed specifically at high-profile individuals, executives, or specific company targets.
What is spear phishing?
A digital document that secures website communication and ensures the website is authentic (indicated by "HTTPS").
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