Glossary of security terms
What the key security terms mean
Anti-virus software
Anti-spyware software
Authentication
Browser
Firewall
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Keystroke Logger
Operating system (OS)
Patch
Phishing
Spam
Spyware
SSL encryption
Trojan
Virus
Anti-virus software
Anti-virus software is the term used to describe a piece of software that is designed to protect your computer from viruses. Good anti-virus software will scan email attachments and downloaded files in many file formats for hidden viruses and trojans.
Anti-spyware software
There are two main functions of anti-spyware software:
- To clean your computer system of spyware
- To protect your computer from infection Good anti-spyware software should do both to a high standard.
Authentication
The process of verifying the identity and legitimacy of a person.
Browser
A browser is the software application used to locate and display web pages. Popular internet browsers include Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Apple's Safari. Check our list of supported browsers for use with Yorkshire Bank's Internet Banking.
Firewall
Software designed to shield your computer from unauthorised access by 3rd parties over a computer network.
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
The company that provides your Internet connection in order to access the Internet.
Keystroke Logger
This is a virus that records the keys that you press on your keyboard whilst you are using your computer on surfing the internet. So potentially if your PC has a keylogger program it can pick up your log in details as you type them.
This information is then uploaded and sent to third parties to enable them to commit internet banking fraud.
Operating system (OS)
The software platform on which all your computer applications run on.
Examples of operating systems are Microsoft Windows XP and Apple Mac OS X.
Patch
Update normally required to fix a fault in a piece of computer software.
Phishing
The act of sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity fraud.
Spam
Unsolicited junk e-mail sent to large numbers of people often containing irrelevant or inappropriate messages. Spam emails may also include links to sites which offer dubious goods or services.
Spyware
Software that covertly installs then gathers user information through the users internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes but sometimes for more malicious reasons.
SSL encryption
Secure Socket Layer encryption is a method used to securely transmit data over the Internet.
Trojan
A destructive computer virus that masquerades as a benign application. A trojan can be used to record keystrokes, view screen contents etc. It may also allow your PC to be remotely controlled by a computer hacker.
Virus
A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can be used to delete files / applications on your PC, utilise system resources slowing down your PC etc.