Terms that start with P

An item that contains files or instructions. Contents included typically relate to a particular program

the process of permitting or blocking outgoing packets based upon the source, destination and service type. It can be used to block connections from a certain host, network or port.

the process of intercepting data traveling on the web. This technique is often used to collect credit card numbers and other sensitive information.

A network in which data packets are routed according to their individual path. The routes are based on a destination address within each packet.

method used to verify a connection request. It provides an easy way for both parties to establish identity.

A value assigned to a variable. It also refers to the customization of software and hardware interacting and operation

The primary information stored within a packet. It often refers to malicious content

sections of a network in which traffic passes in and out. It is often included in networks that contain firewalls.

A programming language that includes various facilities from the Unix operating system. It is considered to be an interpreted language.

A mechanism that offers integrity for a session key. It ensures that a key derived from a set of public and private keys will not be compromised if the private key happens to be compromised in the future.

a cryptographic program that enables privacy and authentication. It is mostly used to increase the reliability in email communication.

Method of redirecting web traffic to bogus site. The goal of pharming is typically to commit fraudulent acts

An online scam where individuals attempt to persuade others out of sensitive information. This approach is found in many spam messages

An internet program used to test a host’s ability to access a network. It can also be used to test the network card of a computer

A hacking strategy used to attack a target system. The most common attack it initiates is a denial of service

a set of standards designated for public-key cryptography. It is currently in conjunction with security systems worldwide.

a system that allows users of an unsecured public network to securely exchange data. It uses the combination of a public and private key obtained from a trusted authority.

a type of virus that encrypts the body of the infection. This done to elude anti-virus scanners.

A standard protocol for receiving email. It functions using the client/server model.

a standard protocol used to send and receive email. POP3 also makes it possible for a user to store messages on an ISP server.

Represents how a message is to be forwarded from a network to a server. It typically specifies a process used for Internet Protocol.

A method used to break into a system. It functions by sending a series of messages to a port to learn information associated with the computer.

a protocol that allows communication between two machines. This typically relates to a personal computer connected to a server by a phone line.

a method that provides network connections over a basic bridging access device. A modem is typically used to make this type of connection.

a type of network protocol that allows data to be securely transferred from a remote client to a private server. It supports multiprotocol and virtual networks.

A signal type used in network communication. It’s purpose is to synchronize the time of transmission in between two or more systems.

An encryption/decryption tool. This key is only known to the party or parties involved in a secret exchange.

A setting that allows a network device to receive and interpret arriving packets in their entirety. It is most often used in a local area network.

A set of standards applied to a specific procedure. It mainly relates to numerous areas of communication.

A specific program implementation of a network protocol suite. It is often referred to as a communications stack.

A communication agent that acts on behalf of two parties. It typically accepts connection requests from an end user and completes it by conferring with a remote service.

A server that acts on behalf of one or multiple servers. It is often used for screening packets or caching data.

A value provided by a certificate authority. It often used in conjunction with a private key to encrypt or decrypt data.