Why Cybersecurity Vocabulary Matters
You’ve probably heard terms like “phishing” or “malware” thrown around, but what do they actually mean? Understanding these terms doesn’t require a tech degree—it just helps you protect yourself and your business from common online threats. Whether you're an SMB leader or a team member, knowing these terms can help you avoid costly breaches and improve your organization’s security posture. Here are the basics, explained simply.
Malware: Bad Software
Tech Explanation: Malware (short for "malicious software") is any software designed to harm your computer or steal your data. This includes viruses, ransomware, and spyware.
Normal People Terms: Malware is like a bad app that sneaks onto your device, messes things up, or spies on you. It’s the digital equivalent of catching a cold from someone.
Check out our blog on 7 Ways You Can Get Hacked Without Your Device Being Compromised for more examples of how malware can work without you even realizing it.
Phishing: Fake Emails or Messages
Tech Explanation: Phishing is when scammers pretend to be a trusted person or company to trick you into giving up sensitive information, like passwords or credit card details.
Normal People Terms: Think of phishing as those fake emails that say, "Your bank account is locked—click here to fix it!" It’s a scam to steal your personal info.
Learn how to protect your business from phishing attacks in our blog, CEO Phishing Explained: How to Protect Your Business from Costly Attacks.
Firewall: A Security Gate
Tech Explanation: A firewall is a system that monitors and controls the traffic going into and out of your computer or network. It blocks suspicious activity.
Normal People Terms: A firewall is like the bouncer at a club. It checks everyone trying to come into your system and stops anyone shady from getting in.
Ransomware: Digital Kidnapping
Tech Explanation: Ransomware is malware that locks your files or computer and demands money (a ransom) to unlock them.
Normal People Terms: Imagine someone locking all your files and saying, “Pay me $500, or you’ll never see them again.” That’s ransomware—it holds your stuff hostage.
Encryption: Secret Codes for Your Data
Tech Explanation: Encryption turns your data into a scrambled code that only someone with the right "key" can read.
Normal People Terms: Encryption is like writing a message in a secret code. Only the person with the decoder ring (or password) can read it.
To learn how encryption works and why it’s critical for protecting sensitive information, check out the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security’s guide on using encryption.
VPN: Privacy Shield for Your Internet
Tech Explanation: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, private connection between your device and the internet. It hides your browsing activity and protects your data.
Normal People Terms: A VPN is like an invisibility cloak for your internet activity. It keeps hackers and nosy people from spying on what you’re doing online.
If your employees work remotely, consider learning more about how Managed IT Services can help protect their connections with VPN solutions.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): A Double Lock
Tech Explanation: 2FA is a security process where you need to prove who you are in two ways—like entering a password and a one-time code sent to your phone.
Normal People Terms: It’s like using both a password and a PIN to unlock your phone. Even if someone steals your password, they still need your phone to get in.
To learn more about 2FA and how to stay secure, check out our blog on Why Your Business Needs a Password Manager: The Ultimate Guide.
Social Engineering: Tricking People Instead of Systems
Tech Explanation: Social engineering is when hackers manipulate people (instead of hacking computers) to get them to reveal sensitive information.
Normal People Terms: It’s like a scammer sweet-talking someone into handing over their house keys. They don’t hack your tech—they trick you into giving them what they need.
Spyware: The Sneaky Stalker
Tech Explanation: Spyware is software that secretly collects information about you, like your passwords, browsing habits, or even your keystrokes.
Normal People Terms: Spyware is like someone peeking over your shoulder every time you use your computer, without you knowing.
DDoS Attack: Traffic Jam on a Website
Tech Explanation: A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is when hackers flood a website with so much traffic that it crashes and becomes unavailable.
Normal People Terms: A DDoS attack is like 1,000 fake customers crowding into a store all at once, making it impossible for real customers to get in.
Zero-Day Vulnerability: A Hole in the Fence
Tech Explanation: A zero-day vulnerability is a flaw in software that hackers exploit before the software developer can fix it.
Normal People Terms: It’s like discovering a hole in your backyard fence that you didn’t know about—until someone sneaks in.
Brute Force Attack: Guessing Game Gone Bad
Tech Explanation: A brute force attack is when hackers use software to guess every possible password until they crack it.
Normal People Terms: Imagine someone trying every key on a giant keyring until they find the one that opens your front door. That’s what hackers do with passwords.
Insider Threat: Trouble from Within
Tech Explanation: An insider threat is when someone within a company (like an employee or contractor) causes a security problem, intentionally or by mistake.
Normal People Terms: It’s like someone on the inside of your team leaving the door unlocked—whether they meant to or not.
Keylogger: Recording Every Keystroke
Tech Explanation: A keylogger is software that tracks and records everything you type on your keyboard, like passwords and credit card details.
Normal People Terms: It’s like a hidden camera watching your keyboard and writing down every word you type.
Cloud Security: Keeping Online Data Safe
Tech Explanation: Cloud security refers to protecting data stored online (in the "cloud") from hackers, breaches, or accidental loss.
Normal People Terms: Cloud security is like locking up your stuff in a storage unit and making sure only you (and the people you trust) have the key.
Simple Terms, Big Protection
These terms may sound technical, but they describe things that affect everyone who uses the internet. By understanding them, you can spot scams, avoid threats, and keep your information safe.
Next Steps:
- Update your passwords regularly.
- Use two-factor authentication for all important accounts.
- Consider using a VPN for better online privacy.
Learn more about strengthening your IT strategy in our blog, How to Choose the Right IT Service Provider for Your Business.
