The Cybersecurity Lab contains terms that may be unfamiliar to educators and students. In the
game, these terms are highlighted with definitions that appear as mouse-overs. Below is a list of
these terms and their definitions:
Antivirus software
Computer programs that can block, detect, and remove viruses and other malware.
Backups/backing up files
Extra copies of computer files that can be used to restore files that are lost or damaged.
Bandwidth
The amount of data that can pass through a network or part of a network per second.
Botnet
Multiple computers on a network that are infected with a program that can be controlled remotely. The
infected computers are usually used to cause damage that couldn’t be achieved with a single computer.
Computer network
Two or more interconnected devices that can exchange data.
Computer virus
A computer program that can copy itself and cause harm in various ways, such as stealing private
information or destroying data.
DDoS
A distributed denial of service attack attempts to make an online service, like a website, unavailable by
overwhelming it with a flood of traffic from a team of computers.
Doxnet
A fictional virus modeled after the Stuxnet virus. Like Stuxnet, Doxnet is able to damage physical
infrastructure.
Encryption
The process of using codes to make readable information unreadable. Encrypted information cannot be
read until it is decrypted using a secret key.
Firewall
Software designed to block malware from entering protected networks.
Hacktivist
Someone who uses computers and computer networks to disrupt services or share secret information in
an effort to draw attention to political or social issues.
Internet service provider (ISP)
A company or organization that gives users and devices access to the Internet.
Support for the Cybersecurity Lab is provided by Lockheed Martin. NOVA is produced for PBS by WGBH in Boston.!
@2014 WGBH Educational Foundation.