Software that monitors a computer for viruses by looking for irregularities in a computer system and then comparing its findings to a database of virus information. Viruses not included in the anti-virus program's database will go undetected, so it is important to periodically update anti-virus programs with information about new viruses. Such updates usually can be purchased on a subscription basis from the company that produced the anti-virus program. The regular updating of an anti-virus program often can eliminate a virus before any damage is caused. Anti-virus applications should be used when foreign software is introduced into a computer.*

Backup

To copy a file or files to an alternate location so a safe copy remains if the originial is destroyed or damaged. A single file or an entire drive can be backed up if media of sufficient size is available. Because of their large capacity, magnetic tape drives often are used for backing up information. Backup programs often save files in a compressed format that occupies less space on the backup media. This means that to view the backed-up files, the program that backed them up must be used to restore them to their original form.*

The transcription of data into an indecipherable code for security purposes. Encrypted data cannot be viewed or used until it all has been converted into the original form. The government-approved method in the United States is know as the Data Encryption Standard.*

A method pf data encryption used to verify the identity of an individual transmitting information over the Internet. A digital signature, like a handwritten signature, is unique to a specific computer of user. One form of digital signature involves using a public/private key system. Information protected this way is encrytped using a pair of codes, or keys. The public key is available to the public; the private key is known only by the individual user. The sender encrypts the data with the public key of the intended recipient. Only the intended recipient, with the private key that corresponds to the public key, may access the transmitted date.*

The act of encoding a file for the purpose of preventing others from gaining access to its contents. An encrypted file appears as a string of gibberish. In order to read or use the file, it must be decrypted. Files are usually encrypted using encryption programs. In most cases, only users with the correct password are able to use the encryption program to make the file readable again.*

Software or hardware that limits certain kinds of computer access from a network or other outside source. Firewalls are used to thwart would-be hackers from infiltrating computer systems.*

Backing up, or saving all files from one storage medium, usually the entire contents of a hard drive, to another medium. Some types of full backup media are magnetic tapes, optical discs and removable hard drives. A full backup differs from a partial backup, incremental backup and other backups because it includes every file regardless of whether the file was changed since the last backup.*

Computer jargon for a technically sophisticated user who spends a lot of time at a computer. Originally, it referred to a person who wrote computer programs, "hacking" up the digital code. Hacker is widely used to refer to people who illegally break into computer systems to do damage, steal secrets, or enter simply because they can.*

Backing up only those files that have changed since the last backup. Instead of routinely backing up all files, a computer can select those that have changed and make a copy on of those.*

1. A symbol, name or key that represents a list of commands, actions or keystrokes. Many programs allow you to create macros so that you can enter a single character or word to perform a whole series of actions.
   
   
2. In a way, macros are like simple programs or batch files. Some applications support sophisticated macros that even allow you to use variables and flow control structures such as loops. **

A set of secret characters or words needed to gain access to a computer or to files and programs within the systems. Passwords ensure that only authorized users can reach certain information.*

A piece of code inserted into a program to temporarily fix a defect. While most users do not consider a patch a shortcut or a shabby way to fix a problem, adding too many can make the program difficult to maintain. Programmers often create patches to add features to a program while users await the release of a new version of the software that includes the "patched" features.*

(Personal Digital Assistant) A PC that fits in the user's hand. Some palmtops come equipped with basic word processing or spreadsheet programs and modems for sending and receiving faxes and e-mail messages.*

PKI is short for Public Key Infrastructure, a system of digital certificates and registration authorities that verify and authenticate the validity of each party involved in an Internet transaction.**

The Premium Server provides departments with cost-effective access to an ITC-administered NT fileserver for file storage, file sharing, data backup, and networked printing. The Service provides departments with shared workspace and provides individuals with their own secure directories. Departments may have unique login scripts, choose drive mappings and customize their common directories. The option to assign one of their staff to locally administer their shared directories is also possible.

Often recover is used to describe getting files back after a hard drive error. In this case, a recovery program searches for whatever information remains in storage. Whatever is found is "recovered."*

To recover information that has been lost or erased due to an operator or program error or to return files from a backup copy to the hard drive where they originally resided.*

A Risk Assessment is the results obtained from a risk analysis, which is the process of identifying what safeguards are needed. -Commonwealth of Virginia, Information Technology Security, ITRM Standard 95-1, page 3

A system of measures for keeping information on a system safe from corruption or prying eyes. Security can mean anything from a screen saver with a password to encrypted data that keeps users from reading information without the proper decoding software.*

Short for Visual Basic Scripting Edition, a scripting language developed by Microsoft and supported by Microsoft's Internet Explorer Web browser. VBScript is based onthe Visual Basic programming language, but is much simpler. In many ways, it is similar to JavaScript. It enables Web authors to include interactive controls, such as buttons and scrollbars, on their Web pages.**

A program designed to destroy data or halt operation on systems by copying itself into files and executing when those files are loaded. Viruses, which are carried among computers in files contained on diskettes or in online transmissions, usually cause problems on a system. When "infected" files are shared among computers on a company network, for example, the virus can cause extreme damage to company's data. With anti-virus software, users can avoid "infection" by a virus by "disinfecting" every diskette and file that is introduced to the computer. Several popular packages check files for viruses and eliminate any found.*