Glossary of security terms

Anti-virus software
Authentication
Browser
Firewall
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Keystroke Logger
Operating system (OS)
Patch
Phishing
Spam
Spyware
SSL encryption
Trojan
Virus

Anti-virus software

Anti-virus software is the term used to describe a piece of software that is designed to protect your computer from viruses. Good anti-virus software will scan email attachments and downloaded files in many file formats for hidden viruses and trojans.

Authentication

The process of verifying the identity and legitimacy of a person.

Back to Top

Browser

A browser is the software application used to locate and display web pages. Popular internet browsers include Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Apple's Safari. Check our list of supported browsers for use with Clydesdale Bank's Internet Banking.

Back to Top

Firewall

Software designed to shield your computer from unauthorised access by 3rd parties over a computer network.

Back to Top

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

The company that provides your Internet connection in order to access the Internet.

Back to Top

Keystroke Logger

This is a virus that records the keys that you press on your keyboard whilst you are using your computer on surfing the internet. So potentially if your PC has a keylogger program it can pick up your log in details as you type them.

This information is then uploaded and sent to third parties to enable them to commit internet banking fraud.

Back to Top

Operating system (OS)

The software platform on which all your computer applications run on.
Examples of operating systems are Microsoft Windows XP and Apple Mac OS X.

Back to Top

Patch

Update normally required to fix a fault in a piece of computer software.

Back to Top

Phishing

The act of sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity fraud.

Back to Top

Spam

Unsolicited junk e-mail sent to large numbers of people often containing irrelevant or inappropriate messages. Spam emails may also include links to sites which offer dubious goods or services.

Back to Top

Spyware

Software that covertly installs then gathers user information through the users internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes but sometimes for more malicious reasons.

Back to Top

SSL encryption

Secure Socket Layer encryption is a method used to securely transmit data over the Internet.

Back to Top

Trojan

A destructive computer virus that masquerades as a benign application. A trojan can be used to record keystrokes, view screen contents etc. It may also allow your PC to be remotely controlled by a computer hacker.

Back to Top

Virus

A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can be used to delete files / applications on your PC, utilise system resources slowing down your PC etc.

Back to Top