Cybersecurity Glossary: Online Safety Terms Dictionary
Welcome to the TripScam.at Cybersecurity Glossary, your comprehensive resource for understanding online safety terminology. This dictionary contains essential terms related to cybersecurity, scam prevention, digital privacy, and internet safety.
Whether you're a beginner learning about online security or an experienced user looking to expand your knowledge, this glossary provides clear definitions of key concepts in plain language.
A
Adware
Malware
Software that automatically displays or downloads advertising material when a user is online. Adware can track browsing habits and display targeted ads, potentially compromising privacy.
Anonymous Browsing
Privacy
The practice of surfing the internet without revealing your identity or location. This can be achieved through tools like Tor Browser, VPNs, or proxy servers.
Antivirus Software
Security Tools
Programs designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software (malware) from computers and devices. Examples include Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender.
Authentication
Security
The process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system. Common methods include passwords, biometrics, and two-factor authentication.
B
Backdoor
Malware
A method of bypassing normal authentication or encryption in a computer system, product, or embedded device. Backdoors can be legitimate for maintenance but are often exploited by attackers.
Bitcoin
Cryptocurrency
The first decentralized cryptocurrency, created in 2009. Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer network without the need for intermediaries like banks.
Botnet
Malware
A network of private computers infected with malicious software and controlled as a group without the owners' knowledge. Botnets are often used for distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
Brute Force Attack
Cyber Attack
A trial-and-error method used to obtain information such as passwords or PINs by systematically checking all possible combinations until the correct one is found.
C
Cookie
Web Technology
Small text files stored on a user's computer by a web browser. Cookies contain data specific to a particular client and website, such as site preferences or login status.
Cryptocurrency
Digital Currency
A digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Cryptocurrencies operate independently of a central bank and are typically based on blockchain technology.
Cybersecurity
Security
The practice of protecting internet-connected systems, including hardware, software, and data, from cyber threats. It encompasses various practices to safeguard digital assets.
D
Dark Web
Internet
A part of the internet that isn't indexed by search engines and requires special software like Tor to access. The dark web is often associated with illegal activities but also has legitimate uses.
Data Breach
Security Incident
An incident where sensitive, protected, or confidential data is accessed or disclosed without authorization. Data breaches can involve personal information, financial data, or intellectual property.
DDoS Attack
Cyber Attack
Distributed Denial of Service attack. A malicious attempt to disrupt normal traffic of a targeted server, service, or network by overwhelming it with a flood of internet traffic.
E
Encryption
Security
The process of converting information or data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. Encryption is essential for protecting sensitive data during transmission and storage.
Endpoint Security
Security
The practice of protecting endpoints such as desktops, laptops, and mobile devices from cyber threats. Endpoint security solutions typically include antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
F
Firewall
Security
A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Firewalls act as a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks.
Fraud
Crime
Intentional deception for personal or financial gain. Online fraud includes identity theft, credit card fraud, and various internet scams.
H
Hacker
Security
A person who uses technical skills to gain unauthorized access to computer systems or networks. Hackers can be malicious (black hat) or work to improve security (white hat).
I
Identity Theft
Crime
The deliberate use of someone else's identity, usually as a method to gain a financial advantage or obtain credit and other benefits in the other person's name.
IP Address
Networking
Internet Protocol address. A unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.
M
Malware
Security Threat
Malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise a computer system. Types include viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.
Man-in-the-Middle Attack
Cyber Attack
A cyberattack where the attacker secretly relays and possibly alters the communications between two parties who believe they are directly communicating with each other.
P
Phishing
Scam
A cybercrime in which a target or targets are contacted by email, telephone, or text message by someone posing as a legitimate institution to lure individuals into providing sensitive data.
Privacy Policy
Legal
A statement that discloses some or all of the ways a party gathers, uses, discloses, and manages a customer or client's data. Privacy policies are required by law in many jurisdictions.
R
Ransomware
Malware
A type of malicious software from cryptovirology that threatens to publish the victim's data or permanently block access to it unless a ransom is paid.
S
Scam
Fraud
A fraudulent scheme, especially one that tricks people out of money or personal information. Online scams often use email, websites, or social media to deceive victims.
Social Engineering
Cyber Attack
The psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information. It differs from traditional hacking methods that rely on technical vulnerabilities.
Spyware
Malware
Software that enables a user to obtain covert information about another's computer activities by transmitting data from their hard drive without their knowledge.
T
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Security
A security process in which users provide two different authentication factors to verify themselves. This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a username and password.
V
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Privacy
A service that creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the public internet. VPNs help protect privacy and can mask a user's location.
W
Wi-Fi Security
Network Security
Measures taken to protect wireless networks from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Includes using strong passwords, encryption protocols, and regular firmware updates.