Glossary

MAC Filtering

Each network card has a unique ID called a MAC. A wireless network access point can be configured to give access to specific network cards (and the computers in which they are installed) and exclude others on the basis of these MAC addresses.

Macro

A macro is a script of basic activities created by a user to automate repetitive tasks

Macro virus

A macro virus uses the macro capabilities of common applications like word processors to implement virus-like behaviour

Mail bomb

An excessively large amount of e-mail data sent to a user's e-mail address in an attempt to make the user's e-mail program crash or to prevent the user from receiving further legitimate messages.

Mail relaying

A practice in which an attacker sends e-mail messages from another system's e-mail server in order to use its resources and/or make it appear that the messages originated from the other system.

Malicious user

A person who has access to a system and poses a security threat to it. An example is someone who tries to elevate their privileges to gain access to data they are not supposed to see.

Megabyte

1024 kilobytes

Memory stick

A removable solid-state memory device

Microsoft Base Line Security Analyser

A free tool from Microsoft that searches computers for known security vulnerabilities and suggests remedies.

Modem

A device that links computers over the public telephone network, typically to connect to the internet

Money Mule

A money mule is someone who is recruited by a fraudster to transfer money illegally gained in one country to another country, usually where the fraudster lives. The term comes from an analogy with drug mules.

MP3

MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3 is a standard for compressing and storing sound files, typically for music

MP3 Player

A device that plays MP3 music files

MSN Messenger

See 'instant messaging'