Adware
Software that automatically displays or downloads advertisements, often bundled with free software. While not always harmful, it can slow down your system or open doors to other threats.

Authentication
The process of verifying someone’s identity before allowing them access to a system or data. This could be a password, fingerprint, or even a security code sent to your phone.

Botnet
A network of infected computers, controlled by an attacker, that work together to carry out attacks like sending spam or launching denial-of-service attacks.

Brute Force Attack
A method of trying many combinations of passwords or PINs until the correct one is found. It’s like guessing every possible combination to unlock a safe.

Data Breach
An incident where sensitive, protected, or confidential information is accessed or exposed without permission. This could include personal data like credit card numbers or login credentials.

Denial of Service (DoS) Attack
An attack that overloads a website or network with traffic, making it slow or completely unavailable to legitimate users.

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service)
A type of DoS attack that uses multiple compromised systems (often part of a botnet) to flood a target with traffic, overwhelming it and making it unavailable to users.

Encryption
A method of converting information into code to prevent unauthorized access. Only someone with the right “key” can decrypt and read the data.

Firewall
A security system that controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined rules, acting as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks.

Identity Theft
When someone uses your personal information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card details, to commit fraud or theft.

Insider Threat
A security risk that comes from within an organization—such as an employee or contractor—who has access to sensitive data and could intentionally or accidentally misuse it.

Malware
Malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or disable computers, systems, or networks. Common types of malware include viruses, worms, and ransomware.

MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)
A security measure that requires two or more forms of identification to access an account. This could be a password combined with something else, like a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan. 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) is a type of MFA limited to two forms of identification (e.g., a password and a text message code).

Patch
A software update that fixes vulnerabilities, bugs, or security issues in a program. Keeping your software up to date with patches helps protect against attacks.

Password Manager
A tool that securely stores and generates strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, so you don’t have to remember them all.

Phishing
A type of scam where attackers pretend to be someone you trust (like a bank or a colleague) to trick you into giving away sensitive information like passwords or credit card details.

Public Wi-Fi Risks
Public Wi-Fi networks can be insecure, making it easier for hackers to intercept your data. Using a VPN can help protect your information on public networks.

Ransomware
A type of malware that locks you out of your system or data until you pay a ransom. It’s like a digital hostage situation.

Social Engineering
A tactic used by attackers to trick people into revealing sensitive information, often through manipulation, persuasion, or deception. Phishing emails are a common example.

Spyware
Malware that secretly monitors and collects your personal information, like browsing habits or login credentials, without your knowledge.

SSL/TLS
Protocols that encrypt data sent over the internet. You can tell a website is using SSL/TLS if its URL starts with “https.” This helps keep information secure, such as credit card numbers or login credentials.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
A form of MFA that limits identity verification to two forms of identification, typically a password combined with another method like a text message or an authentication app.

Virus
A type of malware that attaches itself to a legitimate program and spreads when the program is executed. It can damage or destroy data, steal information, or disrupt operations.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A service that encrypts your internet connection and hides your online activities, making it safer to use public Wi-Fi or browse the web privately.

Vulnerability
A flaw or weakness in a system that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access or cause harm.

Zero-Day
A vulnerability in software that’s unknown to the developers but known and exploited by attackers. The term “zero-day” refers to the fact that developers have had zero days to fix the flaw.