Glossary
A
ActiveX: ActiveX controls are small programs that are inserted in web browsers. This adds additional functionality like animations, video, 3D browsing, etc. Unfortunately, since they are programs, they can also be used for viruses.
Address Book: A file that is used to store email addresses and contact details in an email program like Outlook.
Administrator: A person or program responsible for managing and monitoring a computer system or website.
Administrator rights: People working on a network, system or website are given permission to access or control certain parts of it.
ADSL: Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line - This is a type of broadband or high speed Internet connection.
Adware: Adware is a program that is normally installed in a user's browser or PC that displays some sort of advertising message. Mostly this is done without the user's knowledge when they view or download certain files or websites. Adware can be hard to get rid of.
Alias: Each virus may have several different names associated to it. Normally it has an official name and then a few aliases that it picks up as the virus develops.
Antivirus: Software Programs that scan computer drives, email messages or media (like portable USB drives, DVDs etc) to see if they have any viruses. Often they stop a potential virus from activating itself and also seek out viruses that have already started to work. AntiVirus programs are best for prevention rather than cure since once a virus starts it can take a lot more work to remove it.
Autoencryption:A method that a virus encodes itself so that it can hide from detection programs.
B
Backdoor Trojan: A program that gains access to a computer by methods other than user error or mistaken invitation.
Banner: A graphic on a webpage that displays some sort of message, normally an advert for a product or service. These link to the advertiser's web page. They can contain scripts and programs which can run if clicked.
BBS (Bulletin Board System): A system or service on the Internet that allows subscribed users to read and respond to messages written by other users (e.g. in a forum or newsgroup).
Behavioural Protection: See Heuristics
BIOS: Basic Input / Output System. Programs that run on computer startup to make it function effectively
Boot / Master Boot Record (MBR): Also known as the Boot sector, this is the area or sector of a disk that contains information about the disk itself and its properties for starting up the computer.
Boot disk / System disk: Removable disk like CD, DVD or USB drive that makes it possible to start up the computer.
Boot virus: A virus that targets and damages the boot sector of hard disks
Bot: or Robot that controls a computer system remotely. Often this is done without the knowledge of the computer user and the affected computer is known as a Zombie
Botnet: A network or group of zombie computers controlled by the owner of the bots. The owner of the botnets sends instructions to the zombies. These commands can include updating the bot, downloading a new threat, displaying advertising or launching denial of service attacks.
Browser: This is used to view Internet pages, the most commonly used are Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera and Safari.
C
Cache: A section on the computer hard drive where parts of a program or website are stored so they don't have to be downloaded every time a similar web page is requested.
CMOS: (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor): This is a section of the computer’s memory in which the information and programs needed to start up the system are kept (BIOS).
Common name: The name that most people associate with a particular virus for ease of identification.
Cookie: A file that is stored on your computer after you have visited a site. They give information about your visit to the site owner and can be used to keep track of your history with a site. They are often used to remember your username for database orientated sites like forums and other sites where you need to login. Cookies are normally harmless but can be used for spying purposes. It is worthwhile deleting your cookies each time you log off your browser.
Cracker: A person that tries to gain access to restricted databases or information via an internet connection.
D
Database: A collection of data files or records. Databases are often used by companies to store details of customers, products, services etc.
Desktop: The default area of a Windows computer that can be seen when you start up your computer (assuming no other programs pop up above it). The desktop normally contains shortcuts to your most commonly used files and programs.
Dialer or Redialer: Not used as much any more with the advent of broadband but was used to disconnect a modem from the internet and programmed to dial a premium rate number, resulting in a huge phone bill for the computer user and huge profits for the redialer owner.
Directory or Folder: Divisions used to structure and organize files/data contained on a disk, server or hard drive. Directories often contain sub-folders or sub-directories and viruses could be hidden at any level.
Disinfection: The outcome of a successful virus elimination procedure.
Distribution Level: This indicates how many estimated systems a virus has infected. It is one of the factors used to calculate the Threat level.
Denial of Service Attack: This is a type of attack prevents a PC or server from accessing a particular service, file or program, operating system, web servers, programs etc. It can be caused by a virus or other methods.
Download: The action of obtaining a file or program from the Internet. It could be an image, any type of file, software, etc.
Driver: A program that makes a device, like web camera, DVD drive etc, that is connected to a computer operate properly.
E
EICAR: European Institute of Computer Anti-Virus Research. An organization which has created a test to evaluate the performance of antivirus programs, known as the EICAR test.
Exploit: Viruses, malware, hackers and the like look for weaknesses in programs, operating systems, servers etc so that they can take run harmful applications.
Extension: Files have an extension that identify what type it is. Generally the name of the file is followed by the extension, For example Notepad text files end in .txt, so a file could be called filename.txt
F
FAT: The File Allocation Table is the part of a hard drive that defines the structure and organization of the disk itself. It also contains the location of all the files stored on that disk.
Firewall: This is a defense against attack that a program puts around a computer or server. It stops viruses and attackers from accessing data or planting viruses.
Format: Remove any information stored on a disk or drive.
Freeware: Software that is legally given away free of charge.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A method of uploading or downloading files through a TCP/IP connection.
G
Gateway: A computer that allows communication between different types of platforms, networks, computers or programs.
Groupware: A system that allows users in a local network (LAN) to use resources like shared programs; access to Internet, intranet or other areas; e-mail; firewalls and proxies, etc.
H
Hacker: A person that gains access to a computer or network without permission.
Hardware: Hardware consists of the electrical items that make up a computer, server or system, like the hard drive, the memory, the processor etc.
Heuristics: A method used by virus detection programs that looks for common patterns in the way a virus or malware hides or manifests itself in order to work out whether to block an application or not. This type of detection means that an Internet security program does not have to be programmed with each and every virus type and can be more effective in catching a virus in its early stages.
Hijacker: A person that programs a web page or computer browser without permission so that it is different to what it is supposed to be. Hijackers may break into a website and place a message there to say the page has been hacked or change a computer user's home page to direct them to another web page.
Hoax: A virus or security warning that is sent out to people when no threat actually exists.
Host: This can be any server or computer that other computers access to retrieve data or information.
HTTP Hyper Text Transfer Protocol is a system of commands that allows web pages to be viewed through a browser like Internet explorer, Firefox, Safari etc.
Hyperlink: These are imbedded in emails, web pages or documents to direct the reader to another page or section on the same or another website. Hyperlinks or links can be in the form of text or an image like a banner or photo.
I
Identity Theft: Hackers will often try to gain a person's personal information like date of birth, usernames, passwords, banking details etc. so they can try to gain access to restricted resources. This may result in the the loss of money, hijacking of email accounts or websites or any number of other actions.
Infection: When a virus or malware application has taken over a file or system it is said to be infected.
IP An Internet Protocol address is a set of numbers that identifies each computer or item connected to the internet. Generally it consists of 4 numbers separated by a dot, e.g. 212.34.12.10.
ISP or Internet Service Provider: The company that provides your Internet connection. Generally a household or business would pay a monthly or yearly fee to be able to use the ISPs connection.
J
Java: This is a programming language that allows the creation of platform independent programs so that they can be run on any operating system or hardware.
Java Applets: These are small programs that can be included in web pages to improve the functionality of the page and result in a better user experience
JavaScript: A script type that is used mainly on webpages so that users are able to access more information without leaving a page. It could be used to enhance webpage menus, give more options when filling in web forms etc.
Junk Mail: See Spam
K
Keylogger: A program that stores the key strokes of a computer user so that someone else can see what has been typed. Often these programs are used to steal passwords or see personal emails and messages.
L
LAN: A Local Area Network is a group of computers that are set up within an specific area, like within an office building or within a company, even if the offices are spread out over a city
Link: See Hyperlink
M
Macro Virus: A macro is a series of instructions set up so that a program executes a pre defined action. They can be altered by viruses so that the instructions are modified or corrupted.
Malware: Malicious Software or Malware is a general term for any program that contains and attempts to execute a virus, Trojan or worm.
Modem: A device that allows computers to connect to each other or to the Internet.
Multipartite: A complex virus that uses multiple techniques to infect a computer or device.
N
Network: A group of computers, servers or devices connected to each other so they can communicate with each other. Often offices, educational institutes or homes will connect computers so they can access information from another one. The Internet is the biggest network in the world and contains sub networks.
Newsgroup: A web site set up so that discussions can take place about a specific topic. Generally newsgroups consist of text communication
O
Operating system: or OS platform that allows other programs to perform a function on a computer. Windows , Linux and Macintosh are some of the most popular operating systems for home and business computers.
P
P2P: or Peer 2 Peer is a program that allows users to connect to each other and share files. Often they are used illegally and users upload and download copyright materials like music or films. Malware is frequently included in a file so that the authors can perform some sort of action on another computer.
Partition: A division of a computer’s hard disk which enables the operating system to identify it as if it were a separate disk. Each partition of a hard disk can have a different operating system.
Password: A string of numbers, letters and characters that is applied to a system, program or website so that only a limited amount of access can be gained to resources. The strongest passwords are often random and mix upper and lowercase letters, numbers and characters together.
Payload: This is the aim of the malware. A payload may be, for example, to wipe out the contents of a specific folder on a computer or to gather information on the user.
Phishing: Often websites are set up or emails sent with the intent of tricking people into divulging their personal details and passwords. Many Phishing attacks are set up by people pretending to be financial institutions, asking web users to log in. They redirect the site user to a fake website with the hope that they will not realize and then use any information that is entered to steal money
Platform: See Operating System
Plugin: This is a program that gives additional functionality to another program. A plugin can be added to a web browser for instance to make specific technology work.
Pop-up A Pop Up in web terms refers to a new window that appears when one performs a certain action. Sometimes a popup is expected and other times not. It is often used for advertising and mostly there are no controls like a normal browser window has. A popup can contain malicious code that is executed when the window appears. Sometimes a user does not even need to click on a website for a popup to occur. Many web browsers these days include popup blockers that stop popups from appearing.
Prepending: Viruses sometimes attach themselves to the beginning portion of a file so that they can have a higher chance of activating when the file is run.
Preview Pane: Some email programs allow a user to read an email without clicking the message. Spammers often rely on this to test if the email account they have sent to is active. If a spam message is read in the preview pane it can send a notification to the spammer to say your email account is active and you'll probably be bombarded with lots more spam. We advise turning the preview pane off.
Privacy Policy: This is the strategy of a website regarding the way they handle your private information. It should outline what information they gather about you and what they will use your private information for.
Q
More to follow under this letter soon
R
Recycle Bin: A folder on a computer where files are sent when they have been deleted. Files can still be retrieved from here if needed. It acts as a safety net in case data is deleted by mistake.
Remote Control: Accessing a computer from another location. This can be done legitimately if one is accessing your own data or with permission of the accessed computer owner. Sometimes a technical support person may assist a user remotely. This technique may also be used by people trying to gain access to data illegally or to command a computer to perform actions without the owner's knowledge.
Resident virus: A virus that had been on a system for a long time and monitors activity or carries out commands without the user's knowledge.
Root directory: This is the main or top level directory or folder on a hard disk, server or drive.
Rootkit: A program that hides objects such as processes, files or Windows registry entries. Malware often uses rootkits to hide their presence on a computer, which makes it difficult to detect and remove.
S
Scammer: A person that tries to obtain money from another by using illegal means. They often set up websites pretending to offer a product or service that in fact does not exist or is far inferior to what would have been expected.
Script: A mini program that performs an action of some sort. Generally most scripts are for website enhancement but they can contain viruses or malware too.
Sector: A specific part or area of a hard disk or other media.
Security Patch: Normally in downloadable form, this is a file that repairs security issues within a program so that they are less vulnerable to attack.
Server: A computer within a system that other computers and devices connect to. A server often contains resources that others need and can have programs that perform certain actions. A server within a company helps connect computers and resources, while a web server runs the necessary software for a web site to work and contains the files that make up a website.
Service Pack: A service pack is essentially a major update to a particular Windows operating system version. A service pack contains patches for any security issues, necessary updates to the product and additional features.
Shareware: A trial version of a product used to test it out before buying. Sometimes the product is a cut down version of the full product and is normally free for a certain period.
Signature Updates: Updates that an AntiVirus software supplier makes to it's products so that viruses can be detected and removed. Normally signature updates are downloaded via the Internet to the antivirus or Internet security program.
SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol is a protocol used on the Internet exclusively for sending e-mail messages. When a user sets up their email client they will often be asked for the outgoing mail (SMTP) server address.
Software: Files, programs, applications and operating systems that enable users to operate computer hardware, including computers, servers, PDA devices etc. Examples are Internet security programs, application drivers, graphics programs.
Spam or Spammer: Spam (Junk Mail) is an unrequested or unsolicited e-mail that normally contains an advert for a product or service. It could be a plain text message or a full graphics/html version and is usually sent out in bulk, sometimes to millions or people at the same time. Generally companies and individuals require permission from a user before they send an email with a promotional message to anyone and in most countries it is illegal to send SPAM. A spammer is the person or company that sends spam messages.
Spyware: Programs that collect information about users' browsing activity, preferences and interests. The data collected is sent to the creator of the application or third-parties and is often used to target them with spam or advertising messages. Mostly spyware is installed without the user's permission and can be hidden on websites, in popups, in programs or applications.
T
Targeted attack: This is an attack on a specific group or individual and not just random, where the attacker knows what they want to get out of the intrusion. They may be looking to extract certain information or cause damage to specific programs.
Task list: A task list shows all the tasks and programs that are currently active on a computer. On windows machines you can see these by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete at the same time to activate the Task Manager.
TCP-IP: The TCP/IP protocol is the system that the Internet uses to connects computers together to exchange information. It prevents computer and peripheral address conflicts.
Technical name: The proper name of a virus which, similar to scientific names of fauna and flora, defines its class or family.
Threat level: How much of a potential danger a virus is. The various security companies uses different measures for example, "Low, Medium, High, Critical" or by color, "Green, Orange, Red".
Title bar: A strip on to of an open program or application window that tells you what its name is and what files you are currently viewing.
Trigger: This is the condition that causes a program to begin its action. In a virus or malware program it will be the condition that starts the intended action. This may be a specific date, opening a particular program, restarting a computer etc.
Trojan: A program that is loaded onto a computer under the assumption that it is harmless, but once activated it begins to cause harm or gather private information from the computer user.
U
Updates: Internet Security progams need to improve their Virus Signature File in order to identify the latest threats. They do this by getting updates via the Internet at regular intervals. We recommend that you allow security programs to automatically update their signature files.
URL: or Uniform Resource Locator, which is the same thing as a web address, often in the form www.sitename.com.
V
Variant: A slightly different or modified version of a virus or threat that may be able to avoid detection due to its new properties.
Virus: This is a program or application that can replicate itself and tries to infect a computer without the permission or knowledge of the owner. It can often spread within a machine, infecting more and more files and can normally be passed from computer to computer via the Internet, by media (disc, usb drives) or by email. Normally a virus is attached to an executable file and starts to work once the file is opened.
Virus Signature File: A file within an Internet security program that contains information of all the known viruses. If a program tries to infect a computer and is already known to the Internet security program then it can stop the attempt immediately.
Vulnerability: Malware programmers often look for weaknesses in programs so that they can spread their threats.
W
Windows Explorer: Windows Explorer is an application that provides detailed information about your files, folders, and drives. To access it right click on the "Start" button or on "My Computer" and select "Explore". Not to be confused with Internet Explorer, which is a browser for viewing web pages.
Windows Registry: This is a file on Windows computers that stores information on configuration of all the programs installed on that computer.
Windows Registry Key: These are sections of the Windows Registry that store information regarding the system’s settings and configuration.
Windows System Tray: The system tray is usually found at the bottom right corner next to the clock. It contains miniature icons for easy access to system functions such as Internet security, printer, network/Internet connections, volume, battery meter etc
Windows taskbar: The bar that appears at the bottom of the screen in Windows. It contains the Start button, clock, Windows System Tray, browser and program window icons etc.
Workstation: A regular computer, normally connected to a network or server.
Worm: This is similar to a virus in that it can make copies of itself but normally spreads across a network, can begin without any intervention from a person and does not need to attach itself to a file.
X
More to follow under this letter soon
Y
More to follow under this letter soon
Z
Zero Day Attack: A virus or malware attack that occurs before the signature databases of the antivirus programs have been updated. This means that often a virus will be able to successfully carry out the attack.
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