Resources

Definitions of Internet Jargon

Dictionary Terms

Adware: A form of malicious code that displays unsolicited advertising on your computer.

Anti-virus Software: Software that attempts to block malicious programs/code/software (called viruses or malware) from harming your computer.

Cookie: A piece of information about your visit to a website that some websites record automatically on your computer. By using a cookie, a website operator can determine a lot of information about you and your computer. Cookies are not always bad. For example, a cookie remembers that you prefer aisle seats in the front of the plane.

Cyberbullies/cyberbullying: Willful and repeated harm inflicted through the medium of electronic text, typically through e-mails or on websites (e.g., blogs, social networking sites).

Cybercrime: Any Internet-related illegal activity.

Cybersecurity: Any technique, software, etc., used to protect computers and prevent online crime.

Cybersex (computer sex, or “cybering”): Refers to virtual sexual encounters between two or more persons.

Cyberstalking: Methods individuals use to track, lure, or harass another person online.

Electronic Footprint: Computers maintain a record of all website visits and email messages, leaving a trail of the user’s activity in cyberspace. These data can still exist even after the browser history has been cleared and e-mail messages have been deleted.

Filter: Computer software that allows you to block certain material from your computer. You can, for example, block websites with violent, sexual or racist content.

Firewalls: Firewalls are used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks or computers connected to the Internet. All messages entering or leaving the computer pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria.

Griefers: Internet gamers who intentionally cause problems and/or cyberbully other gamers (i.e., individuals who play online games).

Grooming: Refers to the techniques sexual predators use to get to know and seduce their victims in preparation for sexual abuse.

Identity Theft: In this crime, someone obtains the vital information (e.g., credit card, social security number, bank account numbers) of another person, usually to steal money. E-mail scams, spyware, and viruses are among the most typical methods for stealing someone’s identity.

IP: The IP address you're using at any given time is your device's "digital address" that allows a connection to the systematically laid-out, interconnected grid that governs global connectivity.

Malware: stands for malicious software or code, which includes any harmful code—trojans, worms, spyware, adware, etc.—that is designed to damage the computer or collect information.

Monitoring Software: Software products that allow parents to monitor or track the websites or e-mail messages that a child visits or reads.

Netiquette: Rules or manners for interacting courteously with others online (such as not typing a message in all capital letters, which is equivalent to shouting).

Peer to Peer (P2P): A method of file sharing over a network, in which individual computers are linked via the Internet.

Phishing: A type of online fraud, where someone tries to trick the victim into revealing sensitive details, such as a username, password, or credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in electronic communication.

Profile: Some chat rooms let users complete a personal profile which others can see. Children and teenagers should never include in a profile any information that could identify them, or disclose where they are.

Proxy Server: A proxy server is computer that functions as an intermediary between a web browser (such as Internet Explorer) and the Internet. Proxy servers allow kids to circumvent some firewalls.

Sexting: Sending sexual images via text, photos, or video. Illegal if the subject is under 18.

Spam: Like junk mail through your door, spam is email you haven’t asked for and don’t want. It can be sexually explicit, which is another reason for children not to give out their email address when they are online.

Spyware: A wide variety of software installed on people’s computers, which collects information about you without your knowledge or consent and sends it back to whoever wrote the spyware program. The programs typically will track computer use and create numerous pop-up ads. in some instances, the spyware can damage the computer and facilitate identity theft.