Glossary

anti-virus software
Software programs developed to detect and remove viruses and other forms of malicious code.

content filtering
The act of blocking access to sites that contain objectionable material. This function can be performed through commercially available software packages.

encryption
The transformation of data into an unreadable form in order to maintain confidentiality. An encryption key must be used to decipher the data back into readable form.

file infector virus
A virus that is loaded when an infected program is loaded or executed. File infector viruses typically attach themselves to .COM and .EXE files; but can infect any program for which execution is requested. File infector viruses can also arrive as wholly-contained programs or scripts sent as an attachment to email.

firewall
A software or hardware package that creates a boundary between your computer and the Internet. The capabilities of firewalls vary, but the most effective firewalls monitor and screen incoming and outgoing Internet traffic, track and repel potential security threats and prevent port scans by potential hackers. Many affordable firewall packages are available for the home user.

hacker
A term commonly applied to an individual that gains or attempts to gain unauthorized access to a computer system or computer files. The traditional use of the term applies to an elite programmer or hardware designer.

logic bomb
A destructive command that executes when certain conditions within a system or a program are met.

macro virus
Are among the most common viruses, and tend to do the least damage. Macro viruses infect Microsoft Word applications and typically insert unwanted words or phrases.

port
The network access point for data entry or exit. Your computer has several ports for your browser and several other services such as email, Internet chat and FTP.

port scan
The process a hacker uses to identify access points into a computer system.

SPAM
A common term used to describe unsolicited commercial emails. These are commercial emails sent to large groups of addresses that have been purchased or accumulated by searching the Internet.

system (or boot-record) infector virus
A virus that infects executable code found in certain system areas of a disk. They attach to the DOS boot sector on diskettes or the Master Boot Record on hard disks. When an operating system is running, files on the infected diskette can be read without triggering the virus. However, if the diskette is left in the drive, and the computer is turned off or the operating system reloaded (e.g., system restart), the computer will find the infected diskette in the drive, load it and make it temporarily impossible to use the hard drive.

time bomb
A destructive command hidden within a system or a program that executes at a certain date/time.

trojan
A secret undocumented routine embedded within a useful program. Execution of the program results in the execution of the secret routine, usually opening a backdoor into your computer's operating system for a hacker to misuse.

virus
A harmful program that can spread to other programs on a computer system and to other systems connected on a network.

worm
Typically an independent program that can replicate itself and send copies from computer to computer across network connections. Upon arrival, the worm may be activated to replicate and propagate again. In addition to propagation, the worm usually performs some unwanted function or action.

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