I am currently studying Computer Science Technology. I created this glossary to help students and anyone interested in computer networking and cybersecurity. This glossary will help you understand the meaning of 15 essential words related to network and security administration. Each term includes a clear definition, an audio pronunciation guide to help you say it correctly and an example sentence showing how it is used in context.
Denial-of-service
Noun
A cyberattack that floods a machine or network with traffic to make it unavailable to users.
Example: The website crashed after being targeted by a distributed denial-of-service attack.
fr: Attaque par déni de service
Encryption
Noun
The process of converting readable data into coded text to prevent unauthorized access.
Example: End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and recipient can read the messages.
fr: Chiffrement
Firewall
Noun
A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined rules.
Example: The network administrator configured the firewall to block unauthorized IP addresses.
fr: Pare-feu
Gateway
Noun
A network node that serves as an entrance to another network, often using different protocols.
Example: Make sure the default gateway address is correctly set in your network properties.
fr: Passerelle
Logging
Noun
The automated recording of system events, actions, and errors into a log file.
Example: Proper system logging is essential for diagnosing network issues and investigating security breaches.
fr: Journalisation
Multi-factor authentication
Noun
A security verification process requiring two or more distinct proofs of identity to log in.
Example: Setting up multi-factor authentication protects your account even if someone discovers your password.
fr: Authentification multifactorielle
Packet
Noun
A small unit of data routed between an origin and a destination on the internet or a network.
Example: The network analyzer captured every packet transmitted during the test.
fr: Paquet réseau
Phishing
Noun
A scam where attackers impersonate trusted sources to steal personal information or credentials.
Example: Employees should be trained to identify phishing emails containing fraudulent links.
fr: Hameçonnage
Ransomware
Noun
A type of malware that locks and encrypts files until a payment is made.
Example: The company's database was infected by ransomware, and the hackers demanded a ransom.
fr: Rançonlogiciel
Router
Noun
A hardware device that forwards data packets between different computer networks.
Example: The router determines the best route to send your data across the internet.
fr: Routeur
Spoofing
Noun
A cyberattack where an attacker disguises their identity as a trusted source to gain unauthorized access or intercept data.
Example: The attacker used IP spoofing to trick the server into accepting malicious network packets.
fr: Usurpation d'identité
Subnet mask
Noun
A number that divides an IP address into network and host components.
Example: The default subnet mask for a standard home network is usually 255.255.255.0.
fr: Masque de sous-réseau
Switch
Noun
A networking device that connects multiple computers and devices on a local area network (LAN).
Example: All workstations in the office are plugged directly into the gigabit switch.
fr: Commutateur
Virtual Private Network
Noun
An encrypted connection over the internet that allows safe and private access to a network.
Example: Remote workers must connect through a VPN before accessing internal company files.
fr: Réseau privé virtuel
Vulnerability
Noun
A flaw or weakness in a system or software that can be exploited by an attacker.
Example: The developer issued a security patch to fix a critical vulnerability in the application.