Internet Security

Adware
Ad supported software, often called adware, is used when referencing any type of software that
downloads or displays unwanted advertisement on a computer while the software is being used.
Adware is often bundled in with software the computer owner wants. Adware can also be spyware; a
type of malware that is considered to be privacy invasive.

Antivirus Software
Antivirus (or anti-virus) software is used to safeguard a computer from malware, including viruses,
computer worms, and trojans. Antivirus software may also remove or prevent spyware and adware,
along with other forms of malicious software.


Backdoor
A backdoor refers to a method in which a hacker can bypass normal authentication on a computer to
gain remote access without the knowledge of the user. A backdoor is a general term that may refer to
installed software or a modification to an existing program or hardware.

Black Hat Hacker
An individual with extensive computer knowledge whose purpose is to breach or bypass internet
security. The general view is that, while hackers build things, crackers break things. Also known as a
Cracker.

Black Hat SEO
Black hat search engine optimization refers to a backhanded method of garnering a higher ranking in
search engines. The practice is understandably frowned upon by search engines, and the perpetrating
sites are punished accordingly. Common techniques include spamdexing, hidden text, and cloaking.

Botnets
Bots, or robots, serve a command computer, carrying out automated functions at their masters bidding.
Common bot crimes include denial-of-service, extortion, identity theft, spam, and fraud. Multiple
infected computers together form a botnet, with each individual computer also termed a zombie.

Cache
A cache is a repository for stored data. It expedites the process of retrieving data.

Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a general term for services over the internet that is better divided into three
categories: Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service, and Software-as-a-Service. IaaS (or utility
computing) follows a traditional utilities model, providing servers and storage on demand with the
consumer paying accordingly. PaaS allows for the construction of applications within a providers
framework, like Googles App Engine. SaaS enables customers to use an application on demand via a
browser.

Computer Virus
A computer virus is a computer program that spreads malicious code. Although some viruses are latent,
others can corrupt data or impede system performance. The term is specific, distinguished by how
viruses are distributed (through downloads, email attachments, or removable media such as CDs, DVDs,
or USB drives), but is often used as a catchall, much like the word malware.

Browser Cookies
Cookies are text retained on computers by browsers containing information filled into websites. A
cookie may be used to remember a username, for example, so that the name will autofill on the users
next visit. Cookies may be disabled, or cookie options customized, due to privacy concerns.

Crackers
An individual with extensive computer knowledge whose purpose is to breach or bypass internet
security. The general view is that, while hackers build things, crackers break things. Also known as a
Black Hat Hacker.
Cyberterrorism In the most extreme sense of the term, cyberterrorism encompasses a computer-based
act (a threat or an attack) perpetrated with the express intent of inspiring fear and performed in the
name of some sort of ideology.

Denial of Service (DoS) Attack
A denial-of-service (DoS) attack involves an attempt to disrupt the normal functioning of a website or
web service. In a typical DoS attack, the attacker will overload a sites server with requests for access far
above the capacity of the site, meaning that legitimate requests cannot be processed.

Domain Name System (DNS)
The Domain Name System (DNS) allows users to type easy-to-remember domain names into a browser
while the computer interprets the name as a series of numbers, the IP (Internet Protocol) address. Each
address is unique, enabling users to access the same result from any computer, anywhere, without
conflict.

Drive-by Downloads
Drive-by downloads are downloads of software, adware, or malware that is either authorized by the
user without understanding the consequences or downloaded without the knowledge of the user. This
can occur by visiting nefarious websites, clicking on links in email, or clicking on a popup ad.

Exploit
An exploit is the use of software, data, or commands to exploit a weakness in a computer system or
program to carry out some form of malicious intent, such as a denial-of-service attack. Patches are
intended to remedy these vulnerabilities as soon as they are revealed.

Fast Flux Botnets
Botnets employ fast flux techniques to obfuscate the specific host involved in their phishing schemes. A
fast-flux domain name service enables bots to utilize a shifting number of compromised hosts.

Firewall
Firewalls are configured (in hardware, software, or both) with specific criteria to block or prevent
unauthorized access to a network.

Hacker
The term hacker generally refers to any person who enjoys understanding, modifying, and exploring
programmable systems, particularly computers and computer systems. Hacker has been used to
describe individuals who bypass security measures for malicious purposes or criminal activity; however,
most people within the hacker community refer to these individuals as Crackers.

Hacktivism
Hacktivism is a term that combines the terms hacker and activism and generally means the use of
technical tools, including denial of service attacks, virtual sit-ins, web page defacement or redirects, to
showcase a political message through either illegal or legally ambiguous methods.

Heap Spraying
Heap spraying refers to the attempt to insert code into a predetermined location. This technique is
often behind the exploits of vulnerable browsers.

Heuristics
Heuristics refers to an experimental method of problem solving. The rapid production of malware
necessitates such a quick-fix approach to solutions.

In the Wild
A virus is said to be in the wild if it is spreading uncontained among infected computers in the general
public. A virus being studied in a controlled environment for research purposes would not be considered
in the wild.

Keylogger
A keylogger, also known as keystroke logging or keylogging, is a method of tracking the strokes on a
keyboard without the knowledge of the user. This information is collected and used to access private
accounts or collect personal information. Keyloggers can come in the form of software, hardware, or
external monitoring such as acoustic analysis.

Macro Virus
A macro virus is a computer virus written in the same macro language used for software applications like
word processors. Its effect is to release a chain of events in conjunction with the application. Microsoft
Word is an example of an application susceptible to macro viruses; this explains why it is a bad idea to
open suspicious or unknown attachments even if they may appear legitimate.

Malware
Malware is an abbreviated term meaning malicious software. This is software that is specifically
designed to gain access or damage a computer without the knowledge of the owner. There are various
types of malware including spyware, keyloggers, true viruses, worms, or any type of malicious code that
infiltrates a computer. Generally, software is considered malware based on the intent of the creator
rather than its actual features.

Patch Tuesday
Patch Tuesday refers to the second Tuesday of each month when Microsoft releases security fixes and
patches developed and discovered over the previous month. Windows systems from Windows 98 on
have included automatic checks for patches to avoid any concerns.

Pharming
Pharming refers to an attempt by a hacker to redirect a websites traffic to another site, developed for
the purpose of stealing information from users. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in either the host files
on a personal computer or on the domain name system (DNS) server software. DNS servers work to
direct information on the internet, similar to a road map for traffic. Compromised DNS servers are
referred to as poisoned.

Phishing
Phishing refers to an attempt by a hacker to obtain confidential information about a user through
fraudulent means; specifically by pretending to be a legitimate communication from a credible source.
In a typical phishing scheme, a spam email will direct a reader to an external website, often with a
masked URL. When the user inputs his or her information, it falls into the hands of the cybercriminal.

Ransomware
Ransomware is a category of malware that demands some form of compensation, a ransom, in return
for data or functionality held hostage. For instance, ransomware might change Proxy settings in a
browser to limit web use, making it difficult to find a solution to remove a computer virus.

Rogue Security Software
Rogue security software, or scareware, masquerades as genuine security software, while in actuality
reporting incorrect results of fake malware scans. Most people are tricked into installing rogue security
software when a pop-up window appears on their screen informing them that their computer may be
infected, or as a result of SEO poisoning.

Rootkit
A rootkit is a type of software designed to hide the fact that an operating system has been
compromised, sometimes by replacing vital executables. Rootkits allow viruses and malware to hide in
plain sight by disguising as necessary files that your antivirus software will overlook. Rootkits
themselves are not harmful; they are simply used to hide malware, bots and worms.

Script Kiddie
A script kiddie is often, but not always, a juvenile hacker; an attacker who uses scripts or programs
developed by more sophisticated cybercriminals. Oftentimes the underlying motivation for a script
kiddies attack is simply to garner the attention of peers.

Search Engine Poisoning
Search engine poisoning exploits the use of search engines to spread malware and viruses. This practice
is becoming more prominent as a means of stealing credit card information. Generally, hackers will
employ black hat SEO methods to gain higher search rankings for particular terms that launch rogue
antivirus software upon clicking, followed by collecting credit card information.

Security Holes
A security hole, also generally referred to as a computer vulnerability, is a a flaw or susceptibility in a
system that can be exploited. If discovered, security holes are gateways for hackers to install malicious
software and possibly initiate a zero day attack if not discovered and patched by the vendor.

Social Engineering
Social engineering involves deceiving victims into unwittingly disclosing confidential information or
pursuing a fraudulent action. Phishing is a prime example.

Spear-phishing
Spear-phishing defines a more specialized phishing scheme (an attempt by a hacker to obtain
confidential information about a user through fraudulent means) targeting a specific employee in order
to gain access to a companys information.

Spyware
Spyware is a type of malware that is installed on a computer without the knowledge of the owner to
collect private information. Spyware is often hidden from the user in order to gather information about
internet interaction, keystrokes (also known as keylogging), passwords, and other valuable information.

Trojan
A trojan horse, often shortened to trojan, is a type of malware designed to provide unauthorized access
to a users computer. Trojans, unlike worms, are non-self-replicating, meaning they do not harm the
computer, rather just provide a gateway for a remote hacker to access a computer to perform various
actions based on the design of the trojan and the privileges of the user.

White Papers
A white paper is a persuasive, educational document that informs readers of the best manner in which
to solve a problem also described in the text. Other content might include the introduction of new
information or may be instructional in nature, and could be accompanied by graphs or charts.

Worms
A computer worm, unlike a trojan, is a self-replicating computer virus that penetrates an operating
system with the intent of spreading malicious code. Worms utilize networks to send copies of the
original code to other computers, causing harm by consuming bandwidth or possibly deleting files or
sending documents via email. Worms can also install backdoors on computers.

Zero Day Attack
A zero day attack refers to a hole in software that is unknown to the vendor. This security hole is then
exploited by hackers before the vendor becomes aware and races to fix it. Uses of zero day attacks can
include infiltrating malware, spyware or allowing unwanted access to user information.

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