(vocabulary)
A legal right that gives the creator of an original work exclusive control to copy.
Copyright laws.
The unauthorized copying, downloading, distribution, or commercial use of copyrighted software programs.
Software Piracy.
A legally binding set of rules, codes of conduct, and network guidelines that users must agree to follow in order to access a school, library, or corporate computer network.
Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
Any hardware device, command, or signal used to feed external data and user instructions into a computer for processing.
Input.
The vast interconnected network of physical devices, home appliances, and equipment embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity that collect and exchange data online.
Internet of Things (IoT).
The act of identifying and exploiting weaknesses in a computer system, network, digital device to gain unauthorized access.
Hacking.
Creations of the human mind protected by law, including inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce.
Intellectual Property (IP).
The collection of digital practices, tools, and protocols designed to protect digital data from unauthorized access, corruption, or theft across its entire lifecycle.
Data Security.
The primary processor and "brain" of the computer that fetches, interprets, and executes software instructions and coordinates other system components.
CPU (Central Processing Unit).
Specialized software designed to help an end-user accomplish specific tasks or activities, distinct from the core operating system.
Application / App.
A specific type of malicious software ( malware) that replicates by inserting its own code into other computer files or programs.
Virus.
A form of social engineering where attackers impersonate trustworthy institutions (such as banks, schools, or tech support) via deceptive emails, text messages, or websites to trick individuals into divulging sensitive credentials.
Phishing.
Tangible, structural measures implemented to prevent physical contact, unauthorized entry, or damage to facility hardware and server rooms.
Physical Security.
Any auxiliary external hardware device connected to a computer system to expand its input, output, or storage capabilities.
Peripheral.
A specialized system utility program that enables the operating system and software applications to communicate and interact smoothly with specific connected hardware peripherals.
Driver.
An copyright law that allows the use of copyrighted material without the owners permission.
Fair Use.
An umbrella term (short for "malicious software") encompassing any code, program, or script deliberately engineered to compromise, disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.
Malware.
The cryptographic mathematical process of transforming readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable scrambled format (ciphertext) that can only be unlocked with a secret decryption key.
Encryption.
A standardized unit of digital storage made up of exactly 8 consecutive bits, representing a single text character, number, or symbol.
Byte.
The visual layout, screens, menus, buttons, icons, and interactive elements through which a human user interacts with and controls a computer or software program.
User Interface (UI).
A type of malicious software that secretly installs itself on a computer or mobile device to track user activity, steal sensitive data, and send it to an unauthorized third party without your consent.
The physical, tangible electrical circuits, components, and mechanical parts that make up a computer system.
Hardware.
The criminal offense of obtaining and misusing another person's personal identification or financial information (such as Social Security number, name, or credit card) without authorization, usually for financial gain.
Identity Theft.
A base-2 numerical system that uses only two digits, 0 and 1, forming the universal electrical language underlying all digital computing and hardware circuits.
Binary.
The foundational system software that manages computer hardware resources (CPU, RAM, storage, peripherals), organizes file systems, and provides common background services for application software.
Operating System (OS).