CIS 105

Survey of Computer Information Systems

Essential Concepts and Terminology Study Unit 12

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Computer Security Risk.

Any event, action, or situation that could lead to loss or destruction of computer systems or data.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Computer Crime.
Use of a computer in a manner that violates the law.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Cybercrime.
Use of the Internet to carry out illegal activities.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Authentication.
Regarding computer systems, those techniques used to control access.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Packet Sniffer.
A program that examines all traffic on a section of network to find passwords, credit card numbers and other information of value.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Social Engineering.
A form of deception designed to cause people to divulge sensitive information.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Superuser Status.
A classification, in multi-user operating systems, enabling administrative access to virtually all files on a network.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

SATAN.
A security loophole analysis program designed for use by system administrators (and abused by electronic intruders) to detect insecure systems.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Computer Virus.
A program designed to attach itself to a file, reproduce, and spread from one file to another, destroying data, displaying an irritating message, or otherwise disrupting computer operations.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

File Infector.
Computer viruses that attach to program files and spread when the program is executed.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Boot Sector Virus.

A computer virus that infects the sectors on a disk that contain the data a computer uses during the boot process. This type of virus does not require a program to spread, and may cause the destruction of all data on a drive.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Macro Virus.
A computer virus that infects the automatic command execution capabilities (macros) of productivity software. Macro viruses are typically attached to documents and spreadsheets.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Executable File.
A file containing instructions capable of running on a computer, usually with an .exe extension if intended for use on a PC.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Time Bomb (Logic Bomb).

A computer program (virus) designed to stay in a computer system undetected until it is triggered at a certain date or time, or by a certain event.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Worm.
A program designed to enter a computer system, usually a network, and replicate itself. Worms can take control of resources to attack other computers.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Trojan Horse.
A computer program that appears to perform a useful function while actually doing something malicious, such as inserting a virus, stealing a password, or destroying data.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Hackers.
The term "hacker once meant a computer hobbyist or a computer novice. In most contexts today, it means a person who has gained unauthorized access to a computer system.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Crackers.
People who break into a computer system with intent to damage files or steal data, or who are driven to hack highly secure systems.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Trap Door.
A means to bypass normal security precautions and enter a computer system. A trap door is often created during computer installation and testing, or for personal exploitation.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Power Spike.
A sudden increase of power that lasts less than a millionth of a second.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Power Surge.
A sudden increase of power that can last several seconds. Power surges can destroy electronic components.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).

A battery-powered device that detects power outages and voltage drops, and automatically replaces the electrical supply source without interruption.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Callback System.
A system to control access to a computer by verifying information and calling the person requesting access at a specified phone number.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Tokens.
Handheld electronic devices, used to authenticate users, that generate logon codes, and that may provide digital certificates.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Smartcards.
Credit card-sized devices with their own internal memory, often used to control access to computer networks.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Biometric Authentication.
Biological measurements, such as fingerprinting, retinal scans, and voice or facial recognition, used to verify a person's identity.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Firewall.
A program to prevent or limit external access to a computer from networked connections.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Anti-Virus Software.
Computer programs used to scan computer memory and disks to identify, isolate, and eliminate viruses.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Backup Software.
Programming used to periodically make a backup copy of specified hard disk data, to enable restoring lost material.

CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

End of Study Unit 12.

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CIS 105 Concepts and Terminology Unit 12

Created by James Q. Jacobs