Spamlaws Glossary

Terms that start with D

Methods used to grant permission based on various criteria. It may consists of granting access to manage a document or a website.
DAC, Discretionary Access Control
a program that runs continuously in the background rather than under the user’s direct control. It forwards requests to other programs and processes as needed
Daemon
System that releases DAT files once per day. This method is also a way to monitor current trends of viruses and other infections
Daily DAT
A method of naming viruses and corruptions. .dam displays as a suffix to a particular sample, indicating that it has been damaged and will not function correctly.
Dam
Files that verify codes used by security programs to repair system infections. Also called signature files.
DAT
Errors found in computer data. Corruption usually occurs during the process of transmission, retrieval or while in storage.
Data Corruption
The act sifting through data. Its purpose is to establish relationships and identity patterns of behavior.
Data Mining
The process of moving information from one place to another. Often defined by the speed or rate of transfer.
Data Transmission
A repository of stored data. They are designed for the analysis and reporting of data.
Data Warehouse
A single unit of data. The term has mostly been replaced with “packet.”
Datagram
An exploit where a security vulnerability is taken advantage of on the same day that it becomes known. This type of exploit usually occurs in software.
Day Zero
A more advanced version of the dreaded DOS attack. In this instance, multiple zombies are launched against a network or system
DDOS
The process of breaking into a server. From there, a website may be altered or totally recreated
Defacement
Policies used by McAfee unless configured for other levels. Configuration for the policy is applied to all processes and files within them.
Default Process
A technique in which multiple layers of protection are placed throughout a network or system. It addresses vulnerabilities for the duration of the subject’s life cycle.
Defense In Depth
a common method of data encryption. This process is mainly used to protect top-secret information.
DES
The basic personal computer. The term essentially relates to the structure of a computer case
Desktop Computer
Also known as personal firewall. This software is used to secure a computer from internet intruders.
Desktop Firewall
a protocol that allows individual computers on an IP network to extract and manage configurations in different locations. The purpose is to decrease the workload of an administrator in a large network.
DHCP
a program that establishes a connection to the web or remote network. Connection is made over an analog telephone or ISDN network.
Dialer
An exploit in which all words or phrases in the dictionary are used to crack into a system. In uses a list of predefined words opposed to brute force in which all possible combinations are used.
Dictionary Attack
a method of digital encryption that enables two hosts to create and share a secret key. When implemented, it makes the task of hacking into a system very difficult.
Diffie-hellman
a mechanism that enables a provider to distribute different levels of service to different users. In simple internet terms, it can be referred to as a mechanism that doesn’t rely solely on a per-flow basis.
DiffServ, Differentiated Services
An agreed method a web page uses to establish a web surfer’s credentials. It functions by using HTTP protocol.
Digest Access Authentication
A mechanism used to encrypt data. It essentially performs the functions of a secret key.
Digital Envelope
An application that converts computer language into assembly language. It is used in various areas of computer and software programming.
Disassembler
Set policies and procedures for restoring the critical operations of a business. This may include recovering resources from a natural or technical disaster.
Disaster Recovery
A method of routing used in packet-switched networks. It is essentially an algorithm that calculates paths.
Distance-vector Routing Protocol
A standalone application that attempts to secretively install and operate functions from a remote location. They are typically installed into a system and wait for an online connection before unleashing other applications.
Dldr
a collection of small applications used to operate larger applications. They operate when called upon by the user.
DLL (Dynamic Link Library)
A method used to execute code within the address space of another process. The procedure is initiated by loading a dynamic-link library
Dll Injector
a network added between an external and secure network to provide additional protection. A DMZ is often called a perimeter network .
DMZ, Demilitarized Zone
Short for domain name server. This is standard internet technology designed for managing and identifying names of a website.
DNS
a term that describes the poisoning of a domain name system. This is often done to aid in online scams.
DNS Spoofing
a hierarchal system for naming and categorizing TCP/IP hosts. It does this by translating a server’s IP address into a domain name.
DNS, Domain Name System
domain - a group of servers that share a common database. On the web, a domain represents a specific IP address.
Domain
Stands for denial of service attack. This is employed to prevent the targeted victim from accessing their system or network
DOS Attack
An interactive portal offered by McAfee. The purpose is to allow easy access to the latest anti-virus solutions
Download Site
The generic term for a type of virus. Suffix attached indicates virus that installs files onto a computer.
Dr
A unique form of system exploitation. Upon visiting a site, the vulnerable system is compromised by infection.
Drive-by Download
This type of program drops other infections onto a computer. After being dropped, the other programs are able to act on their own and inflict great damage.
Dropper
short for Digital Subscriber Line. It is technology used for broadband network connections over basic telephone lines.
DSL
A self-maintaining procedure used in wireless networks. It is also used in mobile network and cellular telephone systems.
DSR, Dynamic Source Routing
a cryptography algorithm developed by the United States National Security Agency. It’s purpose is to create digital signatures for the authentication of electronic data.
DSS, Digital Signature Standard
The act of looking through discarded information in search of value. It typically refers to sifting through someone else’s trash for personal information.
Dumpster Diving
An optical disc that can be written only once. Storage capacity is usually 4.7 GB
DVD+R