I am often asked questions like “I thought Spyware was a virus, what is the difference?” and “I have Anti Virus, am I not protected against Spyware”.  If we all knew the meaning of the general technology terms, then we would all have a much clearer understanding and could have that added knowledge that we could better protect our data, and our identities.

We have been working on a General IT Security Terms Glossary and will be updating our blog on a weekly basis with the terms and their meanings.  This in turn will help you understand the general IT terms and phrases and will give you a better understanding of what those other IT Pro’s mean when they talk IT Jargon!

This week, we are going to start with:

ActiveX

You may have come across a message in Internet Explorer telling you that a web page wants to load an ActiveX controller? Well, an ActiveX controller is a small software component that will help a website application work to its full potential. Whilst this is a genuine piece of software, ActiveX controls can sometimes help cyber criminals access your PC, or help viruses penetrate your PC. So whilst ActiveX controls are mainly genuine, unfortunately they can sometimes be used to cause damage.

Adware

Adware is usually distributed through the use of free software, 99% of the time it is a way for the software developer to re-coup the costs of the development of the software by analysing the internet usage of the user and then displaying relevant advertisements to them. There are occasions when Adware can be reclassified as Spyware or Malware.

Applet

An applet is small application delivered over the Internet, usually as an addition to a web page. Usually these are referred to as Java Applets which can be picked up as a security alert in Internet Explorer, 99% of the time these are safe to run.

The Glossary will continue next week.

In the meantime, should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, details are on the Contact Page.

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