Information Security Guide
- Buyer’s Guide: Information Security
- Getting Started in Information Security
- How Others Are Using It
- Information Security on a Budget
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Architecture Guide
Cost vs. Value Report
Good Neighbor Awards
Handouts for Customers
Top 100 Companies
Take a Quiz
30 under 30
Young Professionals
REALTOR® Emeritus
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Glossary: Information Security
Here are some common words and phrases you'll hear often in discussions of information security solutions.
Authentication: Verifying the user as unique individual with authorized access to the hardware or data resources. Its most basic form requires a login name and password. Biometric authentication systems verify a user’s identity and privileges with a scanner that reads and recognizes the user’s fingerprint.
Encryption: The conversion of data or a file into a form that cannot be deciphered by those not authorized to see it. When an authorized user retrieves an encrypted file, it is converted back into a recognizable form.
Firewall: A gateway between a computer and a network, including the Internet, through which all content must pass. A standard feature of any Internet security software suite, the firewall helps maintain integrity of computer resources by continually scanning for and protecting against malicious software and hacker attacks.
Malware: Any in a continually evolving class of software developed specifically to compromise or wreak havoc on a computer system or network. Types of malware include viruses, worms, Trojan horses, adware, spyware, and key-logging software.
Redundant back-up: Multiple copies of the same data, usually stored on hard drives or servers in several locations. This ensures a copy of the data is always available if any set of it is lost, damaged, or inadvertently deleted.
Learn More: Getting Started ׀ How Others Are Using It ׀ Shopping on a Budget
Michael Antoniak is a journalist and technology expert with a focus on real estate applications. Antoniak also writes about real estate technology at his blog, RealTechTools. He can be contacted at antoniak@dtccom.net.