- Home
- > Security and Privacy
- > Security
- > Glossary
Glossary
Glossary
The internet can be crammed full of jargon. We try our best to avoid using it anywhere on our websites - but, occasionally, there is no genuine alternative. So here is a list to help you decipher any phrase you find a little baffling.
Short for 'advertising-supported software', adware is software that displays advertisements. 'Free' software sometimes conceals the fact that it carries advertising - it may even install a separate adware program on your computer without telling you. For this reason, it's a good idea to be wary of free software, unless you are confident that the software provider is genuine.
Software which detects viruses and other threats to your computer. The program alerts you when it finds a problem, and either removes the problem from your computer or recommends further action. More about anti-virus software
A software program used to find and display web pages on the internet. Examples of browser programs include Internet Explorer, Firefox and (for Mac) Safari.
Small pieces of information which are placed onto your computer's hard disk by a website you have visited.
A small window which appears on screen, usually prompting you to respond.
Scrambling data so that personal information, for example, can't be seen by anyone else as it travels between your computer and a secure website.
A program which protects your computer from unauthorised access by third parties over the internet. More about firewalls
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
The company which provides your internet connection, for example BT Openworld, Tiscali, and Blueyonder.
Short for 'malicious software', malware is a generic term used to describe software intended to cause damage or disruption to a computer. Examples of malware include viruses and trojans.
The underlying program, such as Microsoft Windows Vista or MAC OS X Leopard, that enables your computer to run software applications, such as email and browser programs.
An update to a program or operating system, which is needed to correct a problem (often a security issue) overlooked at the time the program was released. Sometimes called a 'fix'.
Phishing is an email scam which tries to get you to provide your personal sign-in details, so that fraudsters can gain access to your accounts. Remember, Bank of Scotland would never ask you to confirm your secure information in an email. More about phishing
Unwanted emails, usually offering dubious products and services. Various types of anti-spam software are available, but the first line of defence may be your own Internet Service Provider - many offer spam-filtering services.
Security certificates are issued to secure websites to allow them to prove they are genuine. To view a security certificate, double-click on the yellow padlock on the page. This allows you to check that you are on a genuine site, and not a 'spoof' website.
Spyware is software, usually installed without your consent, that communicates personal or confidential information about you to a thrid party. The information may contain reports on your web-surfing habits, collected for market research purposes, or more sensitive information, such as credit card numbers. More about spyware
SSL
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a way of encrypting (scrambling) information, such as bank account details, as it is passed from a web browser to a web server. A web address beginning with https: shows that SSL is being used, so the website is secure. A security certificate allows you to check the credentials of the secure site.
A malicious program that may pretend to be innocent (or be invisible altogether), but does something you don't expect, like sending confidential information to somebody else's computer. More about trojans
A malicious program which is intended to damage your computer. More about viruses
