Back door
A loophole in a computer's security systems that allows a
hacker access to it
Backup
Copying data and system files in case of disaster
Biometric
Using body measurements, such as fingerprints, irises, as a means of
authentication.
BIOS Password
A BIOS is software code that links the operating system to the hardware – it is the most basic piece of software on a computer. It usually includes the ability to stop an unauthorised user starting the machine.
Black hat
A
hacker who uses their skills to break into computer systems.
Bluetooth
An industry standard for short-range wireless connections between devices like mobile phones, headsets, computers and
PDAs
Boot
To start up or reset a computer
Boot password
A password that applies while a computer starts up and before any operating system can be loaded
Botnet
A collection of PCs which have been infected by a virus and which are under the central control of criminals or evil hackers.
Broadband
Broadband connections to the Internet differ from
dial-up connections in two ways. First, they are much faster, typically ten times quicker than a
modem. Second, they are normally left connected to the Internet permanently and not just when they are in use. Examples of broadband connections include: ADSL, cable
modem and fibre-optic leased lines.
Browser
A program that lets users read and navigate pages on the World Wide Web, such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer
Buffer
A region of memory reserved for use as an intermediate repository in which data is temporarily held before it is transferred between two locations or devices.
Buffer overrun
A condition that results from adding more information to a
buffer than it was designed to hold. An attacker may exploit this
vulnerability to take over a system.
Bug
A failure, error or flaw in a computer program
Byte
A unit or measure of computer memory, usually consisting of eight binary digits (bits) processed together; usually enough to store a single letter or digit.
