Internet Security Terms & Definitions

ICSA Labs - A division of TruSecure Corporation that among other things, tests and certifies the effectiveness and quality of a wide variety of security technologies on the market such as anti-virus software.

Information Technology - Also used at IT. A term that encompasses all forms of technology used to create, store, exchange, and use information in its various forms.

Inside Hacking - Generally refers to hacking or breaking into systems from inside the network of an organization or business. Usually carried out by employees, ex-employees, or other users with authorization to use at least one computer on the network.

Internet - Also referred to as “the Net” or the “World Wide Web.” A worldwide system of interconnected computers and computer networks. A public, cooperative, and self-sustaining facility accessible to hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

Intrusive Detection System - Also known as IDS. Similar to a burglar alarm system, an IDS is an intruder alarm system for a computer or a network. It detects unauthorized attempts to access the computer or network and alerts the user to a security administrator.

Internet Protocol (IP) Address - Internet Protocol Address is like a mailing address for computers. The IP Address is the address or location of the computer on a network or the Internet. It is an identifier for a computer or a device on a TCP/IP network. Networks using the TCP/IP protocol route messages based on the IP address of the destination. The format of an IP address is a 32-bit numeric address written as four numbers separated by periods. Each number can be from zero to 255. For example, 1.160.10.240 could be an IP address.

IP Sniffing - Stealing network addresses by reading the data packets transmitted over networks or the Internet. Harmful hacker programs can be sent to victims using a “trusted” IP address.

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IP Spoofing - A technique used to gain unauthorized access to computers whereby the intruder sends messages to a computer with an IP address indicating that the message is coming from a trusted host. To engage in IP spoofing, a hacker must first use a variety of techniques to find an IP address of a trusted host and then modify the packet headers so that it appears that the packets are coming from that host.

ISP - Short for Internet Service Provider, a company that provides access to the Internet. For a monthly fee, the service provider gives you a software package, username, password, and an access phone number. Equipped with a modem, you can then log on to the Internet to browse the World Wide Web and send and receive email.

Key Code - A unique series of letters, numbers and characters used to activate software programs. Also used to protect against software piracy and illegal distribution.

Keylogger - Also known as keystroke monitoring. A device of software program that records every keystroke by a user and every character of the response that the user gets. Used by hackers to gather information like passwords and credit card numbers. Also used by system administrators for security purposes to identify threats from with the computer network.

LAN - Local Area Network. A group of computers and devices that share a common communications line. Typically they share the resources of a common server. Through a LAN, many computers can share the same printer and access the Internet through a central server computer.

Layered Security - Implementing both network and peripheral security measures together with desktop or PC security. Many organizations only do one or the other. Best security practices include both network and PC security.

Leak - When information or programs leave or get out of a computer without notification. A computer that “leaks” generally does not have a good firewall in place and allows information to leave at any time. This particularly dangerous when browsing the Web when personal information can be leaked to others on the Internet. If private information is unknowingly exposed, it is a leak.

Log File - A record of activity for specific programs. Some firewalls have a log file that keeps track of everything that comes in and out of a computer/network, and even things that were blocked. It has all the information in it including the port that was used, the IP address of the recipient/sender, etc.

Logic Bomb - A hacker tool usually delivered via e-mail. It attacks a system after verifying that certain conditions exist within the system. For example, some logic bombs attack after being discovered, and others are unleashed at specific dates and times.

Logical Port - Virtual ports or “doors” to a computer. Logical ports are software-based doors that allow information to be passed in and out of the computer. All programs such as web browsers, email, and instant messenger use different and specific logical ports to communicate through the Internet. There are over 65,000 logical ports on any computer.