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Glossary

.docx
This file extension in Microsoft Word 2007 replaces the old .doc extension
128-bit encryption
A very strong form of encryption that means the key used to encrypt is 128 bits
2000
See Microsoft Windows 2000
Synonyms: Microsoft Windows 2000
802.11x
Wireless network standards (e.g., 802.11g)
Acceptable Use Policy
A policy that defines the uses of a computer network. Users agree to this when using the campus network.
Synonyms: AUP
Access Point (AP)
A transmitter on a Wireless LAN (WLAN)
Active Content
Programs embedded in web pages such as Java or Active X. When the page is accessed the code is automatically downloaded and executed on the user's workstation
Active X
A type of Microsoft code that is used by some web add-ins but can allow full access of your system. It can open your system up to malicious activities.
Ad-aware
An anti-spyware program from Lavasoft that detects and removes software on a users computer that it finds as spyware.
Adapter
See NIC
Synonyms: NIC
Address Bar Spoofing
Removing the browser address bar and replacing it with images and text that look like the real thing
Adobe Reader
A program used for viewing PDF files
Adware
Form of spyware. Collects user browsing information for advertisers so they know what type of ads to display to you.
AirPort
A wireless network system from Apple
Synonyms: AP
Antivirus
Software that scans your computer for all known traces of a computer virus
Synonyms: AV
AP
See AirPort
Synonyms: AirPort
Apple
See Macintosh
Synonyms: Macintosh
Attachment
A file attached to an email. BE CAREFUL WHEN OPENING! This is a common way to spread viruses!!
AUP
See Acceptable Use Policy
Synonyms: Acceptable Use Policy
AV
See Antivirus
Synonyms: Antivirus
Backdoor
A piece of code written into software, for example, that gives unauthorized access to a program, online service or an entire computer system
Backup
To copy files to a second medium as a precaution in case the first medium fails
Bb
See Blackboard
Synonyms: Blackboard
Black Hat
A hacker (or cracker) with malicious intent. Opposite of a white hat hacker they destroy files or steal data
Blackboard
A virtual learning environment that supports online learning and teaching.
Synonyms: Bb
Blended attack
An attack using a combination of attacking methods like a virus in an email attachment and a Trojan horse embedded in an HTML file
Booting
The process by which a computer starts executing instructions and running an operating system when power is applied
Bounce
When an email does not reach its destination a bounce occurs. The sender will receive a message about the problem which ranges from an invalid email address to an inbox overload
Browser Helper Objects (BHOs)
Add-ons like toolbars, buttons, and menu items installed in a browser. While these are not all bad they are discouraged because they may create a heavy system load or excessive network traffic
Browser Hijacker
Malware that changes your browser setting so you are redirected to websites without your ok. Most redirect you to sites where people are being paid for the traffic it generates
Cache
A small, fast memory used to make process faster on your computer
Caller ID Spoofing
When someone calls and claims to be someone else and their caller ID information supports their lie
CAT 5
See Category 5 cabling
Synonyms: Category 5 cabling
Category 5 cable
A twisted-pair cable normally used for networks. It is capable of up to 100 million bits (100Mbps) data transmission for up to 100 meters (inside wiring).
Synonyms: CAT 5, CAT 5, CAT 5
CCA
See Cisco Clean Access Agent
Synonyms: Cisco Clean Access Agent
Cell Phone Spam (SMS Spam)
Junk messages sent to a mobile phone through the short message service (SMS)
Cisco
See Cisco Clean Access Agent
Synonyms: Cisco Clean Access Agent
Cisco Clean Access Agent
A network admission control (NAC) product that uses the network infrastructure to enforce security policy compliance on all devices seeking to access network computing resources.
Synonyms: CCA, Cisco
Clusters
The computer labs located in the lobbies of the residence halls.
Cocooning
Thanks to technology it is now easier than ever for someone to hid from the normal social environment
Computer Fraud
Any fraud create by or on a computer including the Internet
Control Panel
A window full of control objects or elements, whose function is typically to make changes to overall program or system operations, like setting the number of colors displayed on the monitor, or choosing a printer.
Cookie
Copyright
Cracker
Someone who breaks into a computer system, usually on a network
Cyberslacker
Someone who uses company time and resources for non-work purposes
Cyberwoozle
When someone siphons data from a user PC and mails it to an attacker. Information sent: e-mail addresses and sites visited
Default ID/Password
This is a common vulnerability in security. For example, when you received your EKU E-key username and password these are default. You can't change your username but everyone's password is randomly generated as eku000000 (000000=your birthday). You should change that password first thing and every six month thereafter!
Definition file
A file used by antivirus and anti-spyware programs that update the list of known malware they scan for so they are more effective when scanning.
Denial of Service (DoS) Attack
This is an incident where a user is deprived of a service is resource such as e-mail or network connectivity
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. This protocol provides a mechanism for allocating IP addresses dynamically so that addresses can be reused.
Dictionary Attack
This is when someone tries to crack a password that tries phrases or words found in a dictionary. A brute force attack, by comparison, tries all possible combinations.
Digital Certificate
An electronic certificate used to identify the identity of the owner of the certificate. The information contained is usually the user's public key, name, and e-mail address.
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)
Drive-by-Hacking
Hacking or cracking a wireless LAN while in a car or outside the building hiding
Drive-by-Spamming
Again, someone gains access to a wireless LAN and sends a huge volume of spam
E-key
It consists of a username and password and is used at EKU for access to such things as your email, network/web drive (W:), lab computers, printing, library databases, and ResNet.
E-mail Spoofing
Sending an e-mail with a faked header so it appears to have originated from an actual person/service
E-signature (digital signature)
An electronic signature used to authenticate the identity of a sender, like when you download Symantec
Eastern Kentucky University
A regional public institution of higher education that offers general and liberal arts programs and pre-professional and professional training in numerous fields at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university is located in Richmond, KY in Madison Country.
Synonyms: EKU
Eavesdropping (or wiretapping)
Remote listing or recording of things such as telephone calls, e-mails, fax. or even mobile communication
EKU
See Eastern Kentucky University
Synonyms: Eastern Kentucky University
EKU e-mail
Each student, faculty and staff person are given an EKU email address that consists of their username, the @ sign, then eku.edu Sizes and options of accounts depends on the person type (faculty staff or student).
Synonyms: Webmail
EKUDirect
An online site for students, faculty, and staff where they can do things such as register for classes, see grades, make a payment, look at financial aid, and various employee items such as an online timecard.
Synonyms: Banner
Email client
Software used to read/send email
Email header
The part of an email message that contains the sender's and recipient's email addresses and other information
Email Host
The servers that emails go through
Encryption
The process of encoding contents of a message so it's hidden from outsiders
End User License Agreement (EULA)
A legal agreement between you and a software company that specifies the parameter of use granted to the user and what the software company can do too
Ethernet
A local area network (LAN) providing a throughput of 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps
Ethical Hacker
Someone who hacks networks for others looking for vulnerabilities
Evil Twin
A homemade wireless AP that pretends to be a legitimate one to gather information
Excel
See Microsoft Excel
Synonyms: Microsoft Excel
Exploit
An attack on a computer system that takes advantages of a vulnerability
Firefox
See Mozilla Firefox
Synonyms: Mozilla Firefox
Firewall
A system that secures a network from unauthorized users. It can be hardware or software.
Game Console
A video game system designed for the TV or a computer monitor. Examples include: Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, and PlayStation3.
Gray Hat
A hacker or cracker who exploits weaknesses in order to bring them to people's attention. They do not act maliciously.
Grayware
Programs generally regarded as undesirable...everything from adware to P2P applications
Hacker
A person who tries to break into a computer system
Hardware
The physical parts of a computer system, such as the monitor, CPU, keyboard, mice, and printer.
Hoax Virus
A false virus warning. They typically ask the recipient to forward them to others.
Host name
The name of a computer on the Internet
Hotfixes
Fixes created by software vendors to repair problems in their software
HTML
(hypertext markup language) The most commonly used coding language for Web pages. Can also be used in email messages
Identity Theft
This is where a criminal obtains personal information (e.g., social security number) to impersonate them. They often obtain credit cards or other services in the victim's name
IE
See Internet Explorer
Synonyms: Internet Explorer
IM Spam
Spam (Spim) sent through instant messaging (IM) systems
IM Worm
Viruses sent in IMs. They infect your computer, lookup your friends (buddy list), and send themselves to all of them
IMAP
A protocol used to retrieve email where you gain access to messages but they remain on the server so you can access them anywhere and on any machine where you can access the email account
Insider Attack
An attack originating from inside of an internal network
Internet Explorer
A web browser from Microsoft
Synonyms: IE
Internet Protocol
Part of the TCP/IP protocol suite. The method in which data is transferred between computers on a network.
Synonyms: IP
IP
See Internet Protocol
Synonyms: Internet Protocol
IP address
A set of four numbers from 0 to 255 separated by periods, that specifies a location on a TCP/IP network.
IP Spoofing
A type of address spoofing when a system impersonates another system using its IP address
Joe-Job
Using a forged return address to spam to try to damage the reputation of the forged domain (e.g., @eku.edu)
KB
See Knowledgebase
Synonyms: Knowledgebase
Keystroke Logger
A program or hardware device that monitors each keystroke of a user
Knowledgebase
A storehouse of knowledge
Synonyms: KB
LAN
See Local Area Network
Synonyms: Local Area Network
LAN party
Gamers who meet in a central location and play games with one another via a local area network (LAN).
Letterbomb
An e-mail that contains malicious live data intended to do things to the recipient's machine
Listserv
A mailing list program that connects many users for online discussions. Users must subscribe to get messages
Local Area Network
A computer network
Synonyms: LAN
Logic Bomb
A Trojan horse left in a computer with the intent of executing when a specific condition occurs such as a particular date and time
Lunchtime Attack
A type of internal attack where one employee will use another person's machine while they are at lunch because it is not locked down. They use it to steal information/data
Mac
See Macintosh
Synonyms: Macintosh
MAC address
A hardware address of a device connected to a network
Macintosh
A computer from the Apple Corporation
Synonyms: Apple, Mac
Macro Virus
Virus programs written in a macro language provided with some software such as Word or Excel
Malware
Malicious software designed to disrupt or damage a system, such as a virus, worm, Trojan, or spyware
Me
See Microsoft Millennium Edition
Synonyms: Microsoft Millennium Edition
Microsoft
A company best known for its operating systems and office suite
Synonyms: MS
Microsoft Defender
A free program from Microsoft to help protect your system against spyware.
Microsoft Excel
A spreadsheet application that is part of Microsoft Office
Synonyms: Excel
Microsoft Millennium Edition
The operating system released by Microsoft between Windows 98 and XP. Microsoft stopped support for this OS on July 11, 2006.
Synonyms: Me
Microsoft Office
A suite of productivity programs created or purchased by Microsoft for the Windows and Apple OSs.
Synonyms: Office
Microsoft PowerPoint
A presentation application that is part of Microsoft Office
Synonyms: PowerPoint
Microsoft Updates
These are updates from Microsoft that are usually released on the second Tuesday of each month. They include updates for Windows, Office, and other Microsoft products.
Microsoft Vista
The operating system released by Microsoft after XP
Synonyms: Vista
Microsoft Windows 2000
It is the business-oriented OS based on Windows NT.
Synonyms: 2000
Microsoft Word
A word processing application that is part of Microsoft Office
Synonyms: Word
Microsoft XP
Operating system from Microsoft between Me and Vista.
Synonyms: XP
MIME
Allows for the transfer of non-text data (graphics, audio, etc.)
Moderated list
A type of listserv where each email is approved before it is sent to subscribers
Mozilla Firefox
A web browser developed by Mozilla
Synonyms: Firefox
MS
See Microsoft
Synonyms: Microsoft
National Identity Card
A card with digitally-embedded information on it used to confirm identity
Network
A group of two or more computers hooked together to share resources, files, and services.
Network Access Procedure
Used by Cisco Clean Access (CCA). The process of authentication and validation of your computer required for university network access.
NIC
Network Interface Card is a board installed in a computer system to provide network communication capabilities to and from that computer system.
Synonyms: adapter
Nuke Attack (Nuking)
This is when someone causes the Windows Operating System (OS) of someone you are communicating with to crash or suddenly terminate
Office
See Microsoft Office
Synonyms: Microsoft Office
Old Virus Definition File
This means that you should update your definition file in Symantec
OpenOffice
OpenOffice.org is a free office suite of applications available for many different operating systems including Linux, Microsoft Windows, and Solaris.
Operating System
The master control program on a computer that runs its internal functions and provides a means of control between the user and the computing system and applications.
Synonyms: OS
OS
See Operating System
Synonyms: Operating System
Password
Unspaced characters used to check user identity before giving access to a system
Patch
Update released by a software manufacturer to fix a bug
Peer-to-Peer\P2P
Applications such as LimeWire, KaZaA, etc...that are great security risks by exposing confidential information, increase the likelihood of download viruses, and enable the distribution of copyright protected materials
Personal Identification Number
A specialized password for access to certain resources. It is a sequence of digits used to verify the identity of the holder of a token.
Synonyms: PIN
Pharming
This is when a phisher uses things like Trojans or worms to attack your Internet browser address bar. You might type in a valid web address but the Trojan, for example, will redirect you to the phishers website instead.
Pharos Uniprint
Print management software used in EKU labs and computer clusters to monitor, audit and control printing. Users use their E-key to use this option.
Phishing
An e-mail that is used to collect personal and financial information from the recipient
Phreak
Someone who breaks into a telephone network illegally to tap phone lines or make free long distance calls
PIN
See Personal Identification Number
Synonyms: Personal Identification Number
Ping O Death
A denial of service attack that sends a ping message of greater than 65,536 bytes so as to crash a system
Piracy
A software pirate is someone who illegally copies, uses and distributes software. They don't have to do all three to be considered a pirate.
Podcast
A method of publishing audio files to the Internet for playback on mobile devices and personal computers.
Polymorphic Virus
A type of virus that changes its code so it looks different from one infected file to make it harder to detect
POP3
A protocol used to retrieve email where you gain access to messages and they are moved off the server onto your computer and are then only available on your computer
Popup
PowerPoint
See Microsoft PowerPoint
Synonyms: Microsoft PowerPoint
Pulsing Zombie
A computer that has been compromised and being used as a tool to launch DoS attacks on other computers on a network
Quarantine
Used by Cisco Clean Access (CCA). A place on the network that has restricted access, where infected machines reside until they are cleaned.
Quarantine Area
A holding area where suspicious or infected files are moved so they are not lost forever but are unavailable to the user
Reformat
The process where the Hard Disk is wiped clean (all information is re-written)
Residential Networking
The network provided to EKU students living in university housing at EKU
Synonyms: ResNet
ResNet
See Residential Networking
Synonyms: Residential Networking
Reverse Engineering
Acquiring sensitive data by analyzing the design of a system
RJ-45
A standard connector used in Ethernet networks
Rogue
An anti-spyware application masquerading as an anti-spyware tool
Root Certificate
A self signed certificate issued from a root level Certificate Authority (CA).
Rootkit
A group of tools (programs) used by hackers to gain access to a computer or network
S-HTTP
Secure HyperText Transfer Protocol...What is used with commerce-type websites to indicate that it is secure
Safe Mode
A diagnostic mode that Windows starts with minimal configuration and generic drivers so that system errors can possibly be corrected. You can access this mode by pressing F8 when you see the words "Starting Windows" on the screen at startup
SAV
See Symantec Antivirus
Synonyms: Symantec Antivirus
Secure Socket Layer (SSL)
A protocol used to manage the security of a message transmission on the Internet
Service Level Agreement
An agreement concerning a measurable level of service between the service provider and the service receiver.
Synonyms: SLA
Service pack
A collection of updates, fixes and/or enhancements to a software program delivered in the form of a single installable package
Shoulder Surfing
When someone can directly see the information you enter (e.g., on a computer system, your PIN number at an ATM or calling card at a pay phone)
Signature file
A small file that is automatically added to the end of an email message. Common signatures include the user's name, phone number, URL, etc.
SLA
See Service Level Agreement
Synonyms: Service Level Agreement
SMTP
A protocol used to send mail
Snail mail
Traditional mail sent via the United States Post Office
Social Engineering
A non-technical intrusion where people are tricked to break normal security procedures, for example, making someone believe you have the right to access information that you don't have the right to access
Spam
Unsolicited e-mail junk mail (or junk newsgroup postings)
Spoofing
Illegally pretending to be someone else to try to gain access to sensitive data/systems
SPSS
Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. A software system for data management and analysis.
Spybot-S&D
An anti-spyware software from Safer Networking that detects and removes software it views as spyware from your computer.
Spyware
Any technology used to gather info about a person (or organization) without their knowledge
SSL
The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a commonly-used protocol for managing the security of a message transmission on the Internet.
Stealth Virus
A virus that actively seeks to conceal itself from discovery or defend itself against attempts to analyze and remove it
Steganography
Hiding messages/data, for example, inside an image
STL
See Student Technology Lab
Synonyms: Student Technology Lab
Student Technology Lab
EKU's IT department provides access to computing technology in these labs that are paid for by the student technology fee. These labs are currently available in Combs 230, Crabbe Library 207 E, Technology Commons Powell 13, and Students Services Bldg. 160.
Synonyms: STL
Subject line
The subject of the email. Making this as clear as possible assists the recipient in managing their messages and the importance of messages
Symantec Antivirus
An antivirus program from Symantec. EKU gives each EKU student a free copy for their computer and this is required to access the residential network (ResNet).
Synonyms: SAV
System Tray
In the Windows operating system desktop, an area where applications have an icon for quick access to that software.
Taskbar
In the Windows operating system desktop, a bar that shows all open applications and active windows.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. The dominant protocol suite in the worldwide Internet.
Thumb drive
See USB flash drive
Synonyms: USB flash drive
Trojan Horse
A malicious program/code used to get control of a system and do damage such as ruining the file allocation table on the hard drive
Uninstall
To properly and completely remove a program from the computer.
URL
Universal Resource Locator. An Internet World Wide Web Address.
USB flash drive
A tiny, removable flash memory device that plugs into a computer's USB port.
Synonyms: Thumb drive
User Authentication
Used by Cisco Clean Access (CCA). The process of verifying your access to the network by confirming your username and password
Validation
Used by Cisco Clean Access (CCA). The process of confirming that certain security measures are in place on your computer--that you are running EKU's version of Symantec Antivirus and that you have all your operating system updates
Virus
A hidden, self-replicating software
Vishing
The use of telephone to gain access to personal information
Vista
See Microsoft Vista
Synonyms: Microsoft Vista
Voice Spam (VoIP Spam)
Unsolicited bulk messages broadcast over VoIP to phones connected to the Internet
Vulnerabilities
A weakness in software and/or hardware design that allows security to be circumvented
W: Drive
A 1GB network drive available to all students to store files and/or create a web page.
Wannabee
Someone who claims to be more proficient than they actually are, for example, a "wannabee hacker"
War Chalking
Marking wireless APs that can be accessed, usually on a sidewalk with chalk
War Dialing
Dialing all the numbers in a range in order to find one that answers -- used in Vishing
War Driving
Traveling around looking for wireless APs to exploit
White Hat
An ethical hacker
WI-FI
This stands for Wireless Fidelity and means the connection of two network devices wirelessly.
Windows Installer
An engine for the installation, maintenance, and removal of software on modern Microsoft Windows systems
WinRAR
A shareware file archiver and data compression utility.
Winsock
Windows Sockets. A networking API for implementing Windows applications that use TCP/IP
WinZip
A file archiver and compressor for Microsoft Windows, developed by WinZip Computing.
Synonyms: Zip
Wireless
Refers to the type of broadband connection where information is sent from and arrives at a computer through transmission towers.
Word
See Microsoft Word
Synonyms: Microsoft Word
Worm
A program that can run independently of a user and move across networks
WPA
WiFi Protected Access is specification that offsets encryption and authentication improvements that are stronger than the Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP), which it is meant to replace.
Zero Day
The first day when a security vulnerability is discovered
Zip
See WinZip
Synonyms: WinZip
Zombie
An insecure computer that contains code placed there by malicious people who will later trigger the code to more attackers