Technology is increasingly being utilized to leverage businesses, and it has become imperative that business owners familiarize themselves with tech jargon if they want to keep their competitive edge. However, for business owners who aren’t technology experts, the lexicon of technology can be quite overwhelming. For that reason, we’ve prepared a list of essential technology-related terms to help business owners master tech jargon in no time.
Cloud computing: This is the use of remote IT resources via the internet as opposed to local ones (i.e., on-premise resources). Office 365, for example, is a suite of apps that doesn’t need to be locally installed to be accessed. When you access it using a web browser, you are using the processing power and hard drive space of other machines over the internet. Businesses can use cloud computing to store, manage, and process their data in a much safer and more efficient manner.
Encryption: This is the process of using algorithms to transform data into code that is unintelligible to unauthorized parties. Businesses should add encryption methods on their data to keep them private and secure from prying eyes.
Malware: Malware is short for “malicious software,” which is the term given to any program developed to harm or damage servers, computers, or computer networks. Worms, viruses, and spyware are all considered malware. They can disrupt business processes while opening backdoors for cybercriminals, so as a precaution, organizations must have robust antivirus and anti-malware software in place.
Man-in-the-middle attack (MITM): This term refers to the common tactic cybercriminals use to intercept data by secretly positioning themselves between two communicating devices. Enterprise owners should prepare for this kind of attack since successful MITM attacks proceed to decrypt stolen data and/or alter business communications.
Managed IT services provider (MSP): An MSP is a firm that specializes in managing a client’s IT processes for a fixed subscription fee. Their services include — but are not limited to — cybersecurity services, data backup solutions, network optimization, and help desk support. By functioning as an outsourced IT department, MSPs provide small- and medium-sized businesses with a cheaper and more reliable alternative to having an in-house IT team.
Mobile device management (MDM): MDM is software that uses a central management console to monitor, control, and enforce security policies on all mobile devices registered in the company network. It is especially useful in limiting the access privileges of remote workers so they can’t compromise sensitive files when connected to unsecured networks. An MDM can also remotely wipe devices completely if ever they are stolen or lost, thereby preventing confidential business data from leaking out.
Phishing: This is the act of sending messages such as emails and text where a cybercriminal pretends to be a legitimate entity (e.g., a bank or a colleague) to obtain private information like passwords and payment details from unsuspecting victims. To avoid falling for phishing scams, employees should be trained to identify and contain them.
Ransomware: Ransomware is a fitting portmanteau of “ransom” and “malware” — it is a type of malicious software that holds your data and/or system hostage until you pay a ransom. Ransomware typically spreads through phishing, but it can sometimes be found in suspicious websites and links.
Remote backup: This is the practice of storing a copy of an organization's data in separate (and often faraway) data farms to protect files and minimize the risk of data loss. It’s necessary for any business to have remote backups in case a cyberattack or natural disaster compromises local/in-house copies.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): VoIP is a more modern and more affordable alternative to traditional landline systems. Beyond voice communications, VoIP is capable of video chatting and video conferencing over the internet, so you can make and receive calls anywhere with an internet connection.
Don’t let difficult technology jargon hinder you from utilizing technology solutions. Let our experts at Quicktech take care of your technology, so you can focus on running your business. Quicktech is your trusted MSP in Vancouver. Drop us a line today.
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