30 common Internet safety terms you should know
While using the internet, you may come across unfamiliar terms, which can be frustrating if not properly understood. If you’re using the internet, it’s important to know some basic internet safety terms. We’re not saying you need to be tech-savvy, but understanding these terms will help you navigate online more easily. For example, terms like phishing and malware are commonly used in discussions about data security.
Knowing what encryption or HTTPS means ensures that you conduct secure transactions online. Below are some common internet safety terms everyone should be familiar with.
1. Antivirus software
Antivirus Software is a tool that maintains the security of digital devices. It is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software like viruses, worms, and trojans. After detection, worms and viruses, infected files are isolated and deleted to prevent damage. Antivirus secures personal information and ensures the overall health of the digital ecosystem.
2. Authentication
It is the identity verification before granting access. Authentication enhances the security and privacy of systems. Common methods include passwords, biometrics (fingerprints or facial recognition), and security tokens. Most widely use Multi-factor authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring more than one form of verification.
3. Backdoor
A backdoor is a hidden way of bypassing normal authentication or encryption in a system. It is an illegal way to gain unauthorized access by bypassing the standard security methods. Backdoors can be installed by malware or intentionally left for debugging. It can control the system remotely and poses risks to data.
4. Botnet
A network of compromised devices controlled by criminals who infect them with malware and use for malicious activities. The scale of such devices can range from a few to millions. These networks are used for malicious activities such as launching Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, sending spam, or stealing sensitive data.
5. Brute Force Attack
Trial attempts to guess the passwords, encryption keys and credentials. Hackers try every possible combination until the correct one is guessed. They can target an individual’s account or entire networks. Password Manager helps in this matter by generating long and complex passwords.
6. ClickJacking
The unintentional clicking of sites tricked by attackers is done by using invisible or misleading content. Users think they click the harmless icon but are tricked into sharing personal data, resulting in compromised security. It often involves hiding buttons or links under seemingly innocent web page elements. Using a browser with good security features helps prevent clickjacking.
7. Cookie
A small text file that is stored by websites which contains data on users’ interaction with the page such as login information. Cookies store the information helping in personalized user experience. They can also track user activity across sites which raises concerns.
8. Cryptography
Making the information unreadable to prevent unauthorized access. The process is encryption and the ones having decryption keys can only access the data. This safeguards data and privacy across digital platforms.
9. Data Breach
The access or stealing of online data is called a breach. Data theft can lead to identity loss, financial loss and fraud. To prevent the breach, encryption and regular audits are employed. Commonly breached data includes personal information, credit card numbers, and passwords.
10. DoS
Denial of Service disrupts normal functioning of a system by increasing the traffic. System resources are exhausted and performance is degraded. Traffic monitoring and network security are effective countermeasures.
11. Firewall
The monitoring of incoming and outgoing traffic based on security rules that already had been determined is called a firewall. The system is a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks. Firewall is based on both hardware and software, which analyzes data packets if they should be allowed or blocked. The sensitive information is secured through the firewall.
12. Encryption
Loading the data into unreadable format by applying an algorithm and the key is called encryption. Individuals with the correct keys can access the data. The method is widely used and secures communications, stored data, and transactions.
13. Hacker
This is an individual who gains unauthorized access and exploits weaknesses in the information. Ethical hackers, on the contrary, detect and address security flaws to strengthen the system.
14. HTTPS
Hypertext transfer protocol is an extension of HTTP which transmits data in plaintext using security protocol SSL or TLS. The extension also verifies the authenticity of the websites. It encrypts the data exchanged between a user’s browser and a website, ensuring it cannot be intercepted or altered by attackers.
15. Identity Theft
The illegal act of stealing and using personal information such as bank accounts or card details is called Identity Theft. These are used to make purchases, obtain loans, or open accounts. Immediate reporting of suspected activity is crucial for the prevention of damage.
16. Keylogger
Record of every keystroke made on a device to steal information. Keyloggers can inject it through phishing emails, downloads, or personal messages. It works in the background so difficult to detect. Regularly updating your system minimizes the risk.
17. Malware
A broad category 9 of malicious software to damage computer systems is malware. Each type has its different objectives from stealing data to system malfunction. An antivirus program is an effective defense.
18. MitM
A Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack occurs when a hacker intercepts communication between two parties. Sensitive data can be captured through Man-in-the-Middle. Encryption protocols and secure WiFi connections are strong authentication methods. Public Wi-Fi networks are common targets for MitM attacks, so using encryption and VPNs can help prevent them.
19. MFA
Protection is enhanced by requiring the user to provide multiple verifications. These are passwords, biometric scans, and device tokens. The risk of a breach is reduced through MFA as additional security is promised.
20. Password Manager
Passwords are stored and managed securely through this tool. Uses only have to remember the password to access the manager. This reduces the risk of breach due to weak passwords.
21. Pharming
Users are redirected to fraudulent websites by this technique. The underlying system resolving the web addresses is targeted. DNS and servers are manipulated to steal information. Accessing websites through HTTPS protects against pharming.
22. Phishing
The technique to obtain personal information by mimicking a trusted entity is phishing. Fraudulent emails, messages, and websites are involved under the disguise of reputable organizations. Information is then exploited for fraudulent activities.
23. Ransomware
Locking and controlling users’ files, making them unaccessible for ransom, infiltrates the system. A message demanding payment in cryptocurrency is displayed for the decryption key. This is spread through phishing emails and malicious attachments.
24. Social Engineering
Unlike traditional hacking, this is a trick to manipulate users into revealing personal information. Common tricks are baiting and pretexting to persuade users into providing sensitive data. Skepticism i a key defense against social engineering.
25. Spam
By conducting regular audits, organizations can evaluate potential weaknesses. The process involves a thorough examination of policies and procedures and helps to identify the gaps which need improvement. These audits evolve security measures in response to emerging risks and changes and support the implementation of practices that enhance resilience.
26. Spyware
Malicious software is designed to collect information without consent if installed on a device. It often disguises with legitimate applications or harmless downloads. Avoiding suspicious links and downloads is a sort of prevention.
27. Trojan Horse
A malware that disguises itself as legitimate software and tricks users into installing it. It can steal data and provide unauthorized access to the infected system. They are hard to detect and can be prevented by reliable security measures.
28. 2FA
The verification method requires users to provide two forms of verification before access for enhanced security. It might be an SMS code or authentication app.2FA provides an additional layer of protection and helps prevent unauthorized access, even if passwords are compromised.
29. VPN
Virtual Private Network encrypts traffic between devices and the internet and protects sensitive data. Users can bypass geographic restrictions as internet traffic is routed.
30. Zero-day Exploit
A previously unknown vulnerability is targeted to access and disrupt the systems. As the weakness is unknown there is no fix available. The exploitation is highly dangerous and vigilant security measures are required.
