Geek Definitions
- Bitcoin - Bitcoin is a digital currency (also called crypto-currency) that is not backed by any country's central bank or government. Bitcoins can be traded for goods or services with vendors who accept Bitcoins as payment.
- Ransomeware - Ransomware is a subset of malware in which the data on a victim's computer is locked, typically by encryption, and payment is demanded before the ransomed data is decrypted and access returned to the victim. The motive for ransomware attacks is nearly always monetary, and unlike other types of attacks, the victim is usually notified that an exploit has occurred and is given instructions for how to recover from the attack. Payment is often demanded in a virtual currency, such as bitcoin, so that the cybercriminal's identity isn't known.
- Internet meme - Memes are often puzzling, humorous, entertaining or inspiring. The infectious content is often delivered through images or video files but a meme can also be simply text. Like its biological counterpoint, a meme often mutates along the way, changing to meet the needs of its audience.
- Malware - An abbreviation for malicious software. Also called pestware. These programs are designed to access a computer system without the owner’s informed consent. Software falls into this category based on its perceived intent rather that any particular features. Examples include: computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, dishonest adware, scareware, crimeware, most rootkits, and other malicious and unwanted software or program.
- Secure Shell (SSH) - SSH, also known as Secure Shell or Secure Socket Shell, is a network protocol that gives users, particularly system administrators, a secure way to access a computer over an unsecured network.
- Rootkit - A software program that enables continued privileged access to a computer while hiding its presence from users by subverting standard operating system functionality or applications.
- Trojan Horses - Software that appears to perform a desirable function for the user prior to run or install but steals information or harms the system.
- Spyware - A type of malware that collects small pieces of information about users without their knowledge. Spyware is hidden from the user and are often difficult to detect.
- Virtual Memory - The operating system can create a file on the hard drive where running but less used computer processes can be stored. This allows more of the RAM or memory to be freed up to be used for more active programs.
- Virus - A computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer. They are sometime confused with other types of malware, including adware and spyware which do not have the ability to reproduce. Viruses have the ability to move from computer to computer by using a network or the Internet, or on a removable media.