IT Vocabulary
A network barrier that inspects incoming and outgoing traffic to block unauthorised access
What is a firewall?
An umbrella term for any software designed to infiltrate, damage, or disable computer systems.
What is malware?
The immediate action required to ensure a virus will not spread to other computers on the system.
What is disconnect the network?
Deceptive emails or messages sent to trick individuals into disclosing sensitive credentials.
What is phishing?
A robust string of characters, numerals, and symbols engineered to withstand brute-force attacks.
What is a strong password?
A duplicate archive of critical operational files stored separately to recover lost or corrupted records.
What is a backup?
Malicious software that encrypts user files and extorts money in exchange for the decryption tool.
What is ransomware?
Dedicated utility software engineered to detect, quarantine, and eliminate computer viruses and threats.
What is an antivirus?
A web hyperlink embedded in a message that directs the victim to a malicious or fraudulent website.
What is a suspicious link?
A person who exploits technical weaknesses in systems or computer networks to gain unauthorised access.
What is a hacker?
The cryptographic method of scrambling readable data so that only authorised parties can decipher it.
What is encryption?
Software that secretly tracks user activity and gathers sensitive information without consent.
What is spyware?
The specific action you must take if you want to stop receiving more emails from a malicious source.
What is block the sender?
Psychological manipulation of staff into handing over private data or circumventing security controls.
What is social engineering?
An automated chronological record detailing system events, user logins, and data transactions.
What is a network log?
An identity verification protocol requiring two independent authentication factors before granting access.
What is two-factor authentication?
Malicious code disguised as legitimate, harmless software to trick users into running it.
What is a Trojan horse?
A software release designed to rectify existing bugs, security weaknesses, and system flaws.
What is a security patch?
Forging an email header, IP address, or sender display name to masquerade as a trusted party.
What is spoofing?
A secret digital algorithm or code required to reverse encryption and restore scrambled files.
What is a decryption key?
Segregating an infected computer or rogue file from the network to stop lateral spread.
What is quarantine?
An assault aimed at exhausting server resources by flooding it with illegitimate network requests.
What is Denial of Service?
A formal, pre-planned protocol defining containment, eradication, and recovery steps after an attack.
What is an incident response plan?
Systematically extracting and compiling usernames and login passwords via phishing portals.
What is credential harvesting?
A comprehensive operational review assessing an organisation's cyber defences and compliance
What is a security audit?