Security Resources
Security Definitions
Firewall: A firewall is a system designed to prevent unauthorized access
to or from a private network. There are software, hardware and hybrid (a combination of the two)
firewalls. Firewalls prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks which are
connected to the internet, like a home or small office network.
More about firewalls
Hacker (Hacking): The popular definition of hacker has changed to describe a person who maliciously breaks into computer networks with the intent to snoop, steal data, or tamper with files.
More about hacking
Identity Theft: The act of impersonating another, by means of using
the person's information, such as birth date, Social Security number, address, name, and bank
account information.
More about identity theft
Spam: The term "spam" is Internet slang that refers to unsolicited
commercial email (UCE) or bulk email. Some people refer to this kind of communication as junk email to equate it with the paper junk mail that comes through the US Mail.
More about spam
Spyware / Adware: Spyware is Internet jargon for any data collection
program that secretly gathers information about you and relays it to advertisers and other
interested parties. Adware usually displays banners or unwanted pop-up windows, but often includes
spyware as well.
More about spyware
Virus: a computer program that produces copies of itself and inserts them
into other programs or files, and that usually performs a malicious action (such as destroying data)
More about viruses
Worm: Worms are very similar to viruses in that they are computer programs
that replicate functional copies of themselves (usually via network connections) and often, but
not always, contain some functionality that will interfere with the normal use of a computer or a
program.
More about worms