Glossary

Access Control – Restricting who can view or use digital resources. Adware – Unwanted software that shows pop-up ads. Algorithm – A set of steps computers use to solve tasks. Antivirus – Software that detects and removes malicious programs. App Permissions – Settings that control what apps can access (camera, contacts, etc.). Application Security – Protecting apps from hackers and misuse. Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Tech that mimics human thinking or decision-making. Authentication – Proving you are who you say you are (e.g., password, fingerprint). Authorization – Granting permission to access or use digital information. Auto-Update – Automatically installing the latest software versions.

Backdoor – A hidden way into a system, often used by hackers. Backup – A copy of your files saved in case of loss. Behavioral Tracking – Monitoring actions online to learn about your habits. Biometrics – Security that uses your body (like face or fingerprint). Black Hat Hacker – A hacker who breaks into systems for harm. Blockchain – A secure digital ledger used in cryptocurrencies. Bot – Automated software that performs tasks, good or bad. Botnet – A group of hacked devices controlled remotely. Breach – When personal or sensitive data is accessed without permission. Browser Hijacking – When a website or ad takes control of your browser.

Cache – Temporary data stored to load websites faster. Captcha – A test to tell humans and bots apart online. Clickjacking – Trick clicking something harmful disguised as something harmless. Cloud Storage – Saving data online instead of on your device. Cookie – A small file that tracks website visits and preferences. Credential Stuffing – Using stolen logins to access accounts. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) – A website attack that tricks your browser. Cryptocurrency – Digital money used for online transactions. Cryptography – Securing information by turning it into unreadable code. Cyberbullying – Using tech to harass or harm others.

Dark Mode – A visual setting that reduces eye strain. Dark Patterns – Website tricks that push you to click or buy. Dark Web – A hidden part of the internet used anonymously. Data Broker – A company that collects and sells your info. Data Breach – When your personal info is leaked or stolen. Data Encryption – Scrambling information so only authorized users can read it. Data Leak – When private info is exposed, usually by accident. Deepfake – Fake audio or video made using AI. Device Fingerprinting – Tracking based on your device’s unique traits. Digital Footprint – The trail of everything you do online.

Email Spoofing – Faking an email address to look legitimate. Encryption – Hiding information with code. End-to-End Encryption – Only you and the person you're messaging can read the message. Endpoint – Any device connected to the internet (phone, laptop, etc.). Ethical Hacker – A hacker who helps improve security. Evil Twin – A fake Wi-Fi hotspot set up to steal data. Exposed Credentials – Leaked usernames and passwords found online. Exploit – Taking advantage of a flaw in software or systems. External Drive – A portable storage device for backups. Eye Strain – Tiredness from screen use; not security, but still digital wellness.

Fake App – A malicious app pretending to be real. Family Link – Google tool to manage kids’ online activity. Firewall – A security barrier between your device and threats. Firmware – Software built into devices, like routers or printers. Formjacking – Stealing your info from online forms. Fraud Alert – A flag on your credit file after suspicious activity. Free Wi-Fi Risk – Public networks often lack security. Friend Request Scam – Fake social media accounts to trick or track you. Full Disk Encryption – Encrypting everything on a device to keep it secure. Fuzzy Matching – Finding similar passwords or data, even if misspelled.

Geofencing – Setting virtual boundaries using location data. Geotagging – Adding location info to photos or posts. Google Authenticator – An app for extra login protection (2FA). Grayscale Mode – Turns your screen black & white to reduce distraction. Group Chat Privacy – Making sure group messages don’t leak info.

Hacktivist – A hacker with political or social motives. Hardware Token – A physical device used in two-factor authentication. Hashtag Scams – Posts pretending to be helpful but lead to phishing. Hashing – Turning data into an unreadable fixed code. HTTPS – Secure version of websites using encryption.

Identity Theft – When someone pretends to be you online. IMSI Catcher – Fake cell tower that intercepts your phone data. Incognito Mode – Private browsing that doesn’t save history. Information Hygiene – Keeping personal data clean and secure. IoT (Internet of Things) – Smart devices connected to the internet.

Jailbreaking – Removing restrictions on a device, often reducing security. Juice Jacking – Data theft via public USB charging stations. JustDeleteMe – A site that helps you delete online accounts. Junk Mail – Unwanted or spam emails. JavaScript – Code that makes websites interactive (can be exploited).

Keystroke Logger – Secretly records what you type. Kid-Friendly Browsers – Browsers with built-in parental controls. KYC (Know Your Customer) – Verification process used by banks and apps. Kill Switch – Shuts off devices or VPNs during security risks. Kernel – Core part of an operating system.

Location Services – Tracks your physical location through apps. Logic Bomb – Code that triggers malicious action after certain conditions. Lock Screen – First line of defense on your phone or computer. Login Attempt Alert – Notification if someone tries to access your account. Low Battery Scam – Fake warnings that trick users into downloading malware.

Malware – Harmful software like viruses or spyware. Man-in-the-Middle Attack – Hacker intercepts data between you and a website. Metadata – Data about your data (e.g., when a photo was taken). Mobile Security – Tools and habits to keep your phone safe. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Using more than one method to log in.

Network Security – Protecting your Wi-Fi and internet connection. NFC (Near Field Communication) – Wireless tech used for tap-to-pay systems. Noise Privacy App – Apps that block background conversations or eavesdropping. Nonce – A unique number used once in authentication. Notification Scam – Fake push notifications that steal info or money.

Online Grooming – When predators build trust with kids online. Online Hygiene – Habits that keep your online identity clean. Open Wi-Fi – Unsecured networks open to anyone. Oversharing – Sharing too much personal info online. Operating System Updates – New versions that fix security bugs.

Parental Controls – Settings to manage children’s device use. Password Manager – Secure app that stores and creates passwords. Patch – A fix for bugs or security flaws. Phishing – Scams that trick you into giving personal info. Privacy Settings – Controls for what others see about you online.

QR Code Scam – Malicious QR codes that trick you. Quarantine Folder – Where antivirus software stores threats. Quick Settings – Device controls for things like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Quota Limit – Maximum amount of data or storage allowed. Quiet Mode – Reduces interruptions and helps focus online.

Ransomware – Locks your files and demands payment. Reputation Management – Taking care of your online image. Remote Access – Controlling a device from another location. Risk Assessment – Evaluating digital threats. Router Security – Protecting your home internet hub.

Scam – A trick to steal your money or data. Screen Time – How long you spend on devices. Secure Browsing – Being careful with how and where you surf online. Security Patch – A quick fix for software vulnerabilities. SIM Swap – A phone number hijack to steal info.

Tech Support Scam – Fake calls or messages pretending to help. Terms of Service – Rules you agree to when using apps. Threat Actor – The person or group behind a cyberattack. Trojan Horse – Malware that looks like a safe program. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Two steps to verify who you are.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) – Hides your activity and location online. Virus – Code that spreads and damages computers. Vishing – Phone call phishing. Voice Assistant Privacy – Making sure devices like Alexa aren’t oversharing. Vulnerability – A weakness that hackers can exploit.

Watering Hole Attack – Infecting a site that targets commonly visit. Webcam Hijacking – Taking control of your camera without permission. Whitelisting – Approving only trusted users or apps. Wi-Fi Spoofing – Creating fake Wi-Fi to steal data. Worm – Malware that spreads without needing a file.

Zero-Day – A flaw unknown to developers. Zombie Device – A device secretly controlled by hackers. Zoom Bombing – Disrupting online meetings with offensive content. Zoning Out – Mental fatigue from screen overload. Zettabyte – One billion terabytes; used to measure huge data volumes.