Demystifying IT Security Jargon

We often get asked by our clients what a lot of the technical terms mean, and when it comes to IT security, well, there are a lot, and it is easy to see why many individuals get a bit perplexed when it comes to understanding what our technicians are trying to say.

This month we aim to give you the knowledge so misunderstandings are a thing of the past – Welcome to Systems Integration’s very own IT Security definition guide,  giving a  breakdown of some common jargon to help you understand the concepts better:

• Authentication: Verifying someone’s claimed identity. Like checking your ID at a bank.
• Authorization: Granting access to specific resources based on your identity. Like having the right key for a specific door.
• Encryption: Scrambling data to make it unreadable without a special key. Like writing a secret message in a code only you and the recipient understand.
• Firewall: A software program or hardware that filters incoming and outgoing traffic on a network, blocking suspicious activity. Imagine it as a security guard at a network gate, checking everyone who enters or leaves.
• Phishing: Deceptive emails or messages designed to trick you into revealing personal information or clicking on malicious links. Think of it as someone pretending to be a friend to lure you into danger.
• Malware: Malicious software like viruses, worms, or trojan horses that can damage or steal data. It’s like a computer illness that can harm your device.
• Vulnerability: A weakness in a computer system or software that hackers can exploit. Like a loose lock on a door that a thief could break.
• Patch: A fix for a software vulnerability released by the developer. Think of it as a security patch applied to the loose lock to make it harder to break.
• Two-factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step beyond a password, like a code sent to your phone. Imagine needing both a password and a fingerprint scan to access a high-security area.
• Confidentiality: Ensuring that information is only accessible to authorized individuals.
• Integrity: Maintaining the accuracy and completeness of information
• Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS): Systems that monitor networks for suspicious activity and take action to block attacks.

These listed are just a few examples, but they should give you a better understanding of some key IT security terms.

As the list is endless though, here are some additional tips:

• Don’t hesitate to ask! If you encounter a term you don’t understand, research it online or get in touch with one of our IT support Engineers
• Security awareness training: Many IT support companies offer training programs to help users understand basic security practices and we are not an exception, we offer advice and training on all aspects of IT Security
• Stay informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices by visiting our blog on a regular basis.