Cybersecurity Terms — in Plain English
Let’s face it — cybersecurity is packed with confusing words, acronyms, and what we like to call “techish” (tech talk that sounds like another language). If you’ve ever Googled a term like “zero-day exploit” or “phishing” and felt more confused than before… you’re not alone.
That’s why we built this glossary — to cut through the jargon and explain cybersecurity terms the True North Sec way: clearly, simply, and in plain English. No complex definitions. No intimidating language. Just short, honest explanations of the words you see in the news, in scam emails, or in tech headlines — and what they actually mean for you.
Whether you’re a student, a business owner, or just someone who wants to stay safe online, this glossary is here to help you translate “techish” into real-world understanding.
A
Anti-virus software
Antivirus software is a program that helps protect your computer from harmful stuff like viruses, spyware, worms, and Trojans (which are sneaky programs that pretend to be safe).
It works by scanning your computer to look for anything that might be dangerous. It can spot viruses that are already known, catch brand-new threats, and flag files that seem suspicious—even if they haven’t caused problems yet.
Authentication
Authentication is the way a system checks that you are really who you say you are.
Authorization
Authorization is about what you’re allowed to do after you’ve logged in.