IT Glossary
Technical terms, abbreviations, and jargon can sometimes
be overwhelming. We believe IT should be accessible to everyone,
so our glossary is here to help you navigate the complexities of the industry.
0-9
- 5G
- The latest generation of mobile networks, offering higher speeds and lower latency.
A
- AI (Artificial Intelligence)
- AI refers to technologies and software that mimic human thinking and behavior. Examples include chatbots, virtual assistants like Siri, and advanced autonomous driving systems.
- AI Ethics
- Ethical considerations regarding the development and use of AI, including privacy and fairness.
- AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations)
- The use of AI to automate and enhance IT operations, such as log management and incident response.
- API (Application Programming Interface)
- A set of rules and specifications that allow different software applications and systems to interact seamlessly.
- API Gateway
- A service that acts as an entry point to manage and secure API requests.
- Access Point
- A network device that enables wireless connection to the internet or a local network, functioning as a base station connecting multiple devices.
B
- BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
- A policy that allows employees to use their personal devices, such as laptops or smartphones, to access company IT systems. This enhances flexibility but requires security measures to protect company data.
- Backup
- The process of securing important files, settings, or entire systems to enable data recovery in case of loss due to technical failure, cyberattacks, or disasters.
- Big Data
- Large volumes of data analyzed to identify patterns, trends, and insights, often used to understand human behavior and interactions.
- Biometric Data
- Personal identification methods such as fingerprint recognition, iris scanning, and facial recognition, used to enhance security and authentication.
- Blockchain
- A decentralized digital technology that records data in linked blocks, widely used for cryptocurrencies and secure transactions.
C
- CRM (Customer Relationship Management) System
- A software solution that helps businesses manage customer relationships by organizing customer data and optimizing interactions.
- CSP (Cloud Service Provider)
- A company that provides cloud-based services such as storage, computing power, and applications via the internet. Examples include AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
- Co-location
- The practice of housing private servers in a third-party data center, leveraging shared resources like security, power, and cooling while reducing costs.
- Container Orchestration
- The management and automation of deploying, scaling, and maintaining containerized applications, often using Kubernetes.
- Containers
- A method of packaging and deploying applications with all dependencies in an isolated environment.
- Cyber Resilience
- The ability to prevent, detect, and recover from cyber threats while maintaining business continuity.
D
- Dark Web
- A section of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines, often used for anonymous transactions.
- Data Governance
- Policies and processes governing data management, protection, and usage within an organization.
- Data Lake
- A large storage repository that accommodates structured and unstructured data for advanced analysis.
- Data Leakage
- The unauthorized transmission of corporate data to external entities, which can occur accidentally, through cyberattacks, or via employees.
- Dedicated Server
- A physical server rented for exclusive use, offering higher performance, flexibility, and security compared to shared solutions.
- Deep Learning
- An advanced subset of machine learning utilizing neural networks to analyze complex data.
- DevOps
- A methodology that integrates software development and IT operations to accelerate the deployment of applications and services.
- Digital Twin
- A virtual representation of a physical object, process, or system used for simulation and analysis.
- Disaster Recovery
- Strategies and measures ensuring the rapid restoration of critical IT systems and data following a disruptive event.
E
- Edge Computing
- A distributed computing paradigm where data processing occurs closer to the source (e.g., IoT devices) rather than centralized data centers.
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
- Security tools that monitor and respond to threats on endpoints such as computers and mobile devices.
F
- Firewall
- A security tool that protects computers and networks by monitoring and filtering network traffic based on predefined rules, acting as a barrier against unauthorized access and cyber threats.
G
- Green IT
- Strategies and technologies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of IT systems through energy efficiency and recycling.
H
- Hosting
- The service of providing server space and managing the operation of websites or IT solutions, ensuring reliability and security.
- Hybrid Cloud Solution
- A cloud strategy that combines private and public cloud environments, enabling secure data management alongside scalable public cloud benefits.
I
- IT Asset Management (ITAM)
- The process of tracking and managing all IT assets within an organization.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- A framework of policies and technologies for managing and securing user identities and access to resources.
- Incident Management
- The processes used to identify, handle, and resolve IT incidents to minimize business disruption.
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- The concept of connecting everyday devices to the internet for data collection, automation, and remote control.
L
- Licenses
- Software usage rights granted under specific conditions, regulating aspects such as the number of users and permitted duration of use.
M
- Machine Learning
- A branch of AI where computers learn to recognize patterns and make decisions based on data analysis.
- Malware
- Malicious software designed to damage or disrupt IT systems, including viruses, trojans, and spyware.
- Microlearning
- A training method delivering short, focused learning modules, often in digital formats like videos or interactive lessons.
- Multicloud
- The practice of utilizing multiple cloud service providers to optimize performance, flexibility, and security.
P
- Phishing
- A cyberattack method where fraudsters attempt to steal sensitive information, such as passwords or banking details, often through fake emails or websites.
- Private Cloud
- A cloud computing environment dedicated to a single organization, offering enhanced security and control.
- Public Cloud
- A cloud service shared among multiple users, providing scalable and cost-effective solutions such as storage and computing power.
R
- Ransomware
- A type of malware that encrypts a user’s data and demands payment for decryption, typically spread via phishing emails or malicious links.
S
- Serverless Computing
- A cloud computing model where developers deploy applications without managing the underlying infrastructure.
V
- Virtual Private Network (VPN)
- A secure, encrypted connection that allows users to access the internet privately and protect sensitive data.
Z
- Zero Trust
- A security model that assumes no entity—inside or outside the network—is trustworthy without verification.