Unit 7

Word

Definition

Example

back up files 

to make a copy of information stored on a computer

Don't forget to back up all your files so you have a copy.

be down

not working

The website was down for nearly a week.

blacklisted 

a person, country, product etc on a blacklist

The organization manages databases of spammers and blacklisted users for business corporations.

character 

a letter, mark, or sign used in writing, printing, or on a computer

To make the password stronger, it has to be eight characters including at least one number and one capital letter.

compromised 

under an agreement in which everyone involved accepts less than what they wanted at first

The servers were compromised and the website is down.

cover

to include or deal with a particular subject or group of things

Well, I think that covers everything.

create a new password 

to make up a secret group of letters or numbers that you must type into a computer before you can use a system or program

To prevent hackers, create a new password every month.

cyberattack

the use of the Internet to illegally see or damage the information on someone's computer system

The organization became another victim of a cyberattack.

cybercrime 

criminal activity that involves the use of computers or the Internet

Have you ever been a victim of cybercrime?

cybercriminal 

a person who engages in criminal activity by means of computers or the Internet

Despite our online security, we couldn't prevent cybercriminals hacking the system.

cybersecurity 

things that are done to protect computer information and systems from crime

The company plans to increase spending on cybersecurity.

encrypt 

to protect information by putting it into a special code that only some people can read, especially information that is on a computer

Regularly changing passwords and encrypting files is important for online security.

encrypt data 

to protect information by putting it into a special code that only some people can read, especially information that is on a computer

Businesses need to encrypt sensitive data so no one else can read it.

excessive 

much more than is reasonable or necessary

Employees can use the Internet as long as it is not excessive and during lunchtime or breaks only.

fingerprint 

a mark made by the pattern of lines at the end of a person's finger, which is used by the police to find out who has committed a crime

I want to discuss the new fingerprint technology for company security.

hacker 

someone who secretly uses or changes the information in other people's computer systems

Hackers managed to access our company files.

invest in 

to buy something or spend money or time on something, because it will be useful for you

If you follow basic security procedures, then you might not need to invest in more security.

log on 

to do the necessary actions on a computer system that will allow you to begin using it

Once you have your username and password, you can log on.

network 

a set of computers that are connected to each other so that they can share information

Hackers often access a network without the company realizing there's a problem.

online security

a branch of computer security that deals specifically with internet-based threats

Spamhaus had a special understanding of online security.

open attachments 

to open a document or file that is sent with an email message

Double-click this icon to open the attachment on your email.

permission 

if you have permission to do something, you are officially allowed to do it

Employees are not allowed to download or upgrade software without permission.

personal details 

details about a person such as their name and address

Enter your personal details on the website.

personal use 

to use sometning for personal needs

Employees mustn't access the Internet for personal use during working hours.

policy 

a way of doing something that has been officially agreed and chosen by a political party, a business, or another organization

I have to change my password every 12 weeks because it's company policy.

prevent 

to stop something from happening, or stop someone from doing something

To prevent hackers, create a new password every month.

register 

an official list of names of people, companies etc, or a book that has this list

Do you know how I can register with this website?

reliant 

dependent on someone or something

Businesses are becoming more reliant on the Internet.

run scans 

to use special computer program to look for computer viruses

Try running a scan to check for a virus.

share documents 

to have or use something with other people

I often open attachments and share documents for my job.

spammer 

e-mail messages or company that a computer user has not asked for and does not want to read, for example messages from advertisers

The attack was especially bad because the organization manages databases of spammers.

sum up

to give the main information in a report, speech etc in a short statement at the end

I'll sum up the main points in an email.

target 

to aim something at a target

Criminals are targeting businesses, looking to steal data from their servers.

temporary password 

a password continuing for only a limited period of time

This is your temporary password. Log on with it and then you need to choose a new one.

upgrade software 

to make a computer, machine, program etc better and able to do more things

How often do you upgrade your software?

victim 

someone who has been attacked, robbed, or murdered

The new drug might help save the lives of cancer victims.

vulnerable 

a place, thing, or idea that is vulnerable is easy to attack or criticize

All organizations and businesses are vulnerable to cyberattacks.