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    • Cyber glossary

    Cyber glossary: understand the key terms to help protect your business or organisation

    Read time: 4 mins      Added: 28/05/2024

    Norton cyber safety provider

    In collaboration with Norton

    This article is developed in collaboration with Norton – one of the leading cyber safety providers, offering antivirus and device security plans. 

    Cybersecurity can be challenging enough, without having to translate all the specialist terms used by the experts. This glossary explains the most common cyberthreat and cybersecurity terms you’ll come across. It will make it easier for you to understand what you are up against, and what you can do to better protect your business or organisation. 

    Cyber threats

    When hackers and others use various methods to try to exploit IT vulnerabilities and infiltrate computer networks.

    Computer virus

    A computer virus behaves like a virus in humans. It infects your computer, attaches itself to other programs, files, and documents, makes copies of itself, modifies what it is attached to, then carries on spreading.

    Dark web

    Part of the web made up of intentionally hidden sites that can’t be found through conventional search engines. Users can be anonymous, and their locations can be hidden. Cyber criminals use the dark web as a marketplace to buy and sell stolen information.

    Data breach

    A malicious data breach or accidental data leak allows your data to be accessed, modified, or deleted without authorisation, usually due to cybersecurity weaknesses. 

    Malware

    Any type of malicious software designed to infiltrate your device without your knowledge, then cause damage or disruption to your system, or steal data. Adware, spyware, viruses, botnets, trojans, worms, rootkits, and ransomware are all types of malware.

    Phishing

    A cyber crime technique using fraud and deception to manipulate you into clicking malicious links or disclosing sensitive personal information.

    Ransomware

    A type of malware that uses encryption to block access to your files and computer systems unless a ransom is paid. Ransomware attacks target all kinds of files, from personal to business-critical.

    Scareware

    A cyber attack scam whereby hackers scare you into downloading malware, clicking on dangerous links, or visiting infected websites. When relatively harmless, it will simply disrupt your browsing experience. When more malicious, it can result in a malware [see above] infection that damages your device.

    Social engineering

    Using psychological techniques to manipulate your behaviour. Exploiting human error and encouraging you to act against your own interests – such as revealing your private data (login details or financial information).

    Spyware

    A specific type of malware that hides on your device, secretly recording information and tracking your online activity. It can monitor and copy text entered, apps used, websites visited, and documents read. Some spyware can also access your device’s camera and microphone to watch and record.

    Cybersecurity

    Also known as IT security, this is the practice of protecting critical data on your devices, networks and in programs, from unauthorised access and attacks (cyber threats).

    Dark web monitoring

    Automatic scanning of the dark web [see above] for data leaks. Whenever your personal information is detected, you receive notifications to help you take swift action to secure your accounts, update your passwords, and protect your identity.

    Encryption

    Protecting your data by scrambling it from plain text into ciphertext, using an encryption algorithm. This scrambled data is unreadable except by someone with the correct decryption key to decode it.

    Endpoint security

    Also known as endpoint protection. Protecting your business network while it’s being accessed by remote, wireless, or mobile devices such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.

    Firewall

    A digital security system that keeps unauthorised traffic out of your business network. It checks incoming and outgoing traffic against a predefined set of rules established by you or your network administrator, and only communications deemed safe are allowed in.

    Server security

    Processes and tools used to protect data and assets held on your servers, and to protect the server’s resources. Your servers hold sensitive information, so are frequently targeted by cyber criminals looking for security weaknesses.

    Two-factor authentication

    Also known as 2FA or dual authentication. Increases your account security by requiring two methods to verify identity – such as a second layer of security in addition to a password.

    VPN

    Virtual Private Network. A service which encrypts the connection between your device and the internet, to ensure online privacy. This secure connection provides a private tunnel for your data and communications while you use public networks.

    To find out more about staying one step ahead of the cyber criminals, take a look at our guide on Cybersecurity for your small business or organisation.

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    While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information provided is correct, no liability is accepted by Bank of Scotland for any loss or damage caused to any person relying on any statement or omission. This is for information only and should not be relied upon as offering advice for any set of circumstances.  Specific advice should always be sought in each instance.

    Important legal information

    Bank of Scotland plc. Registered Office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ.  Registered in Scotland no. SC327000. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under Registration Number 169628.

    Eligible deposits with us are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). We are covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

    Please note that due to FSCS and FOS eligibility criteria not all business customers will be covered.

    Lloyds Banking Group is a financial services group that incorporates a number of brands including Bank of Scotland. More information on Lloyds Banking Group can be found at lloydsbankinggroup.com.

    © Bank of Scotland plc 2025. All rights reserved

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