antivirus software
computer programs that can block, detect, and remove viruses and other malware
backups / backing up files
extra copies of computer files that can be used to restore files that are lost or damaged
bandwidth
the amount of data that can pass through a network or part of a network per second
botnet
multiple computers on a network that are infected with a program that can be controlled remotely. The infected computers are usually used to cause damage that couldn't be achieved with a single computer.
computer network
two or more interconnected devices that can exchange data
computer virus
a computer program that can copy itself and cause harm in various ways, such as stealing private information or destroying data
DDoS
a distributed denial of service attack attempts to make an online service, like a website, unavailable by overwhelming it with a flood of traffic from a team of computers
encryption
the process of using codes to make readable information unreadable. Encrypted information cannot be read until it is decrypted using a secret key.
firewall
software designed to block malware from entering protected networks
hacktivist
someone who uses computers and computer networks to disrupt services or share secret information in an effort to draw attention to political and social issues
internet service provider (ISP)
a company or organization that gives users and devices access to the internet
keylogger malware
a program that records every key struck on a keyboard and sends that information to an attacker
malware
software that harms computers, networks, or people. Includes viruses, worms, ransomware, and other computer programs.
phishing
attempting to trick people into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, often by using emails or fake websites that look like they are from trusted organizations
ransomware
a type of malware that holds victims' computer files hostage by locking access to them or encrypting them. It then demands a ransom if the victims want their files back.
server
a computer or computer program that provides specific services on a network, such as an email server that directs emails and a web server that serves up web pages
software
consists of code written in a programming language that instructs computers to perform specific tasks
software patch
a piece of software designed to update a computer program in order to fix a software vulnerability or improve the program
software vulnerability
a flaw or weakness in a computer program that hackers or malware can exploit to gain access to a system or damage it
spam
unsolicited emails sent to many addresses. The purpose of most spam is to make money through advertising or identity theft.
USB drive
a data storage device that is used to store, back up, and transfer computer files
USB port
a type of connection between devices that can exchange information and power supply