Glossary of basic terms












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            Short explanation of the most common terms that may appear in connection with IT security 

            University.

            A


            Antivirus [ URL "MYLIFEEN-208.html "] - a program that protects devices from malicious sof
            spyware). Checks the system regularly and blocks suspicious files.


            Authentication – verification of your identity when logging into the system (e.g. entering

            confirmation in the application).



            B

            Backup [ URL "MYLIFEEN-44.html "] – storing a copy of data (e.g. on a university disk or c

            can be recovered when the device is lost or attacked.

            Brute force attack – an attempt to crack a password by trying all possible combinations.



            D


            Digital identity - a set of data that uniquely identifies you in the online world - such a
            account.


            Data [ URL "MYLIFEEN-44.html "] (personal / university) – all electronic information (file
            emails) that may contain sensitive data and must be protected.


            Data leaks [ URL "MYLIFEEN-46.html "] – situations where sensitive information reaches an 
            person. It can occur by mistake or by attack.


            Domain reputations – trustworthiness of a web address; sites with suspicious content may b
            security software.



            E


            Encryption - a process that converts data into an unreadable form until it is unlocked wit
            key. [ URL "MYLIFEEN-1.html#null"]



            F


            Firewall – a “protective gateway” between your device and the internet. Monitors and filte
            traffic, blocks unsafe connections.


            Fake login [ URL "MYLIFEEN-42.html "] a website that pretends to be an official website (e
            tries to lure out your password.



            H


            Hoax – an alarm or false message that spreads over the Internet (e.g. a false warning, an 
            forward an email).



            I


            Incident [ URL "MYLIFEEN-46.html "] - any event that may compromise the security of the sy
            e.g. a breached password, a lost laptop or a phishing attack.



            M


            Malware [ URL "MYLIFEEN-42.html "] – malicious software that can damage a system or steal 
            includes viruses, spyware and ransomware.



            P


            Phishing [ URL "MYLIFEEN-42.html "] – a fraudulent message (e-mail, SMS, chat) that tries 
            or make you click on a dangerous link.


            PIN / biometrics – means of device security (number, fingerprint, facial recognition).


            Patch (update) [ URL "MYLIFEEN-45.html "] – software add-on that fixes bugs or vulnerabili
            system.


            Password [ URL "MYLIFEEN-17.html "] – your key account protection. It should be strong (mi
            combination of letters, numbers and symbols) and unique.



            R


            Ransomware – a malicious program that encrypts your files and demands a ransom for their r



            S

            Social engineering [ URL "MYLIFEEN-42.html "] – manipulating people to gain their trust an

            sensitive data.

            Spam [ URL "MYLIFEEN-42.html "] – unsolicited emails, often with advertisement, links to m

            scams.

            Spear phishing – an attacker targets a specific person (e.g. a university employee) and ad

            to appear trustworthy.

            Spyware – a program that secretly tracks what you do on your computer and sends this data 



            T


            Two-factor authentication (2FA) [ URL "MYLIFEEN-41.html "] - a method of logging in when, 
            your password, you confirm your identity with a second factor - e.g. a mobile application.


            Trojan horse - a program that appears to be useful, but after installation allows an attac
            system.



            V


            VPN [ URL "MYLIFEEN-25.html "] (Virtual Private Network) – an encrypted connection that pr
            transmission when working remotely or from public networks.


            Virus – a program that spreads itself and damages files or systems.


            Vishing/smishing – phishing by phone (vishing) or by SMS (smishing).

            Vulnerability – a bug in the software that can be exploited by attackers.