Category: Definition of Security Terms

What are the Dangers of Social Networking?

Social networking websites allow you to communicate and share information. But they can also be used to spread malware and to steal personal information. Social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, continue to grow in popularity as attack vectors. Unscrupulous individuals can use information you post online to learn details about you that can…

What is Social Engineering?

Social engineering refers to the methods attackers use to deceive victims into performing an action. Typically, these actions are opening a malicious webpage or running an unwanted file attachment. Many social engineering efforts are focused on tricking users into disclosing usernames or passwords, allowing attackers to send messages as an internal user to further their…

What is a Rootkit?

A rootkit is a piece of software that hides programs or processes running on a computer. Malware frequently installs rootkits upon infection to hide its activity. A rootkit can hide keystroke loggers or password sniffers, which capture confidential information and send it to hackers via the Internet. It can also allow hackers to use the…

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is software that denies you access to your files or computer until you pay a ransom. Malicious software can hold your data hostage. For example, the Archiveus Trojan copies the contents of the My Documents folder into a password-protected file and then deletes the original files. It leaves a message telling you that you…

What are PUA’s or Potentially Unwanted Applications?

Potentially unwanted applications are programs that are not malicious but may be unsuitable for use in a business environment, and may create security concerns. Some applications are non-malicious and possibly useful in the right context, but are not suitable for company networks. Examples are adware, tools for administering PCs remotely and scanners that identify vulnerabilities…

Do you know what a Parasitic Virus is?

Parasitic viruses, also known as file viruses, spread by attaching themselves to programs. When you start a program infected with a parasitic virus, the virus code is run. To hide itself, the virus then passes control back to the original program. The operating system on your computer sees the virus as part of the…

What is the definition of Malware?

Malware is a general term for malicious software. Malware includes viruses, worms, Trojans and spyware. Many people use the terms malware and virus interchangeably. Antivirus software usually detects a wider range of threats than just viruses, and can be an effective defense against worms, Trojans and spyware.

What is Keylogging?

Keylogging is the proces of secretly recording keystrokes by an unauthorized third party. Keylogging is often used by malware to steal usernames, passwords, credit card details and other sensitive data.

What is an Application Exploit?

A application exploit is when hackers takes advantage of a vulnerability inside of an application order to access or infect a computer. Usually an exploit takes advantage of a specific vulnerability in an application and becomes ineffective when that vulnerability is patched. Zero-day exploits are those that are used or shared by hackers before the…

What is a Command and Control Center?

A command and control center (C&C or C2) is a computer that controls a botnet (a network of compromised computers). Some botnets use distributed command and control systems, making them more resilient. From the command and control center, hackers can instruct multiple computers to perform their desired activities. Command and control centers are often used…