Translating IT Security Jargon

Translating IT Security Jargon

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Estimated Reading Time: 6–7 minutes

Cybersecurity is full of buzzwords that can feel confusing or technical, especially if you don’t work in IT. But understanding the basics is essential for every business - not just enterprise organisations with large IT teams.

This blog breaks down some of the most common IT security terms in plain English to help you better understand threats, defences, and best practices for protecting your systems and data.

Common Threats and Attack Types

Malware

Malware is a catch-all term for malicious software. This includes viruses, worms, ransomware, spyware, and more - all designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorised access to systems.

Virus

A virus is a type of malware that attaches itself to a file or program and spreads when the infected file is opened or executed. Like a biological virus, it replicates and infects other parts of the system.

Worm

Worms are standalone malicious programs that replicate themselves and spread automatically across networks, often without any user interaction. They can quickly infect multiple machines and cause widespread disruption.

Zero-Day Exploit

A zero-day exploit targets a vulnerability that the software developer doesn’t yet know exists. This makes it especially dangerous, as there's no fix or patch available when the attack is launched.

Brute Force Attack

This method involves systematically trying every possible password or encryption key until the correct one is found. Hackers often use automated tools to speed up the process.

DDOS – Distributed Denial-of-Service

A Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal traffic of a targeted server, service, or network by overwhelming it with a flood of internet traffic. This type of attack aims to make the targeted system unavailable to its intended users by saturating the bandwidth or resources of the target.

Targeted Threats and Manipulation Tactics

Social Engineering

Social engineering is a psychological trick used by attackers to manipulate people into revealing confidential information. It’s about exploiting human behaviour, not systems.

Phishing

Phishing is a form of social engineering that uses deceptive emails or messages to trick users into sharing sensitive information like passwords or credit card details.

Spear Phishing

Spear phishing is a more targeted version of phishing. The attacker researches the victim beforehand to craft a convincing, personalised message - making it more likely to succeed.

Protective Measures and Best Practice

2FA / MFA – Two-Factor / Multi-Factor Authentication

This is a way of confirming your identity using more than just a password. It combines two or more of the following:

  • Something you know: like a password, PIN, combination, code word, or secret handshake
  • Something you have: physical device like a mobile phone, smart card, USB drive, or token device
  • Something you are: biologically unique feature like your fingerprints, voice, or retina

Even if your password is stolen, MFA helps prevent unauthorised access.

BYOD – Bring Your Own Device

This refers to using personal devices (like laptops or smartphones) for work. While convenient, it can expose businesses to security risks if not managed properly. Device management tools like Microsoft Intune are essential for securing BYOD setups.

Encryption

Encryption scrambles data so it can only be read with the right key. It's one of the most important tools for protecting sensitive information.

Encryption in Transit

The process of protecting data while it is being transmitted from one location to another by encoding it using encryption algorithms, such as between client machines and servers, or between different servers. This ensures that the data remains confidential and secure during transmission, preventing unauthorized access or tampering.

Encryption at Rest

The practice of protecting data that is stored on a device or storage media by encoding it using encryption algorithms. This ensures that the data remains confidential and secure even if the device is lost or stolen. The encrypted data can only be decrypted with the appropriate key, making it unreadable to unauthorized users.

Both are crucial for preventing unauthorised access.

FAQs: Translating Cybersecurity Jargon

Q: Is malware the same as a virus?
A: Not exactly. All viruses are malware, but not all malware are viruses. “Malware” is the broader category that includes viruses, ransomware, spyware, etc.

Q: How can I prevent phishing attacks?
A: Be cautious of unexpected emails. Look out for poor grammar, suspicious links, or requests for login credentials. Always verify with the sender directly if in doubt.

Q: Is 2FA really necessary for small businesses?
A: Absolutely. Two-factor authentication adds a critical layer of protection, even if your business is small. It’s one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorised access.

Q: What's the best way to secure employee devices?
A: If staff use personal devices for work, use mobile device management (MDM) tools like Microsoft Intune to control access, apply security policies, and wipe data if needed.

Q: Do I need encryption if I’m using cloud services?
A: Yes. Look for cloud services that offer both encryption in transit and encryption at rest to ensure your data is protected at all stages.

Need a clearer view of your IT security?

If terms like “zero-day” or “encryption at rest” still feel overwhelming - you're not alone. At Telanova, we help businesses across Ascot, Bracknell, Wokingham, Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, and Windsor understand and strengthen their digital security.

From staff awareness to robust backup and cyber defences, we make IT security make sense.
Call us on 01344 567 990 or get in touch here to take the next step.