Plain-language dictionary
Glossary
Every confusing bit of jargon, explained simply. No prior knowledge assumed.
Backup
A saved copy of your data kept somewhere safe, so you don't lose it to theft, damage, or ransomware.
Read articleCookie
A small file websites store in your browser. Some remember your login; 'third-party' ones track you across different sites for advertising.
Read articleCredential stuffing
When attackers take passwords leaked from one site and try them on your other accounts — which works if you reuse passwords.
Read articleData breach
When a company's systems are broken into and customer data — emails, passwords, card numbers — is stolen or exposed.
Read articleData broker
A company that collects and sells personal information about people, usually without any direct relationship with them.
Read articleDigital footprint
The trail of data you leave online — both what you share deliberately and what's collected about you automatically.
Read articleEncryption
Scrambling information so only someone with the right key can read it. It protects data on your devices and as it travels online.
Read articleEnd-to-end encryption
A way of scrambling messages so only you and the person you're talking to can read them — not the app company or anyone in between.
Read articleGDPR
The European Union / UK data-protection law giving people strong rights over their personal data, such as access and deletion.
Read articleHTTPS
The secure version of a web connection, shown by a padlock in your browser. It encrypts data between you and the website.
Read articleIdentity theft
When someone uses your personal details — name, ID numbers, bank details — to impersonate you, open accounts, or commit fraud in your name.
Read articleMalware
Malicious software — viruses, spyware, ransomware — that harms your device or steals your data, often installed by a bad download or link.
Read articleMetadata
Data about your data — for example, who you messaged and when, even if the message content itself is encrypted and private.
Read articlePasskey
A modern, phishing-resistant replacement for passwords that uses your device — often with your fingerprint or face — to prove it's really you.
Read articlePassphrase
A password made of several random words strung together — long, hard to crack, and easy to remember.
Read articlePassword manager
A secure app that creates and stores a unique strong password for every account, so you only remember one master password.
Read articlePhishing
A scam message pretending to be someone you trust, designed to trick you into revealing passwords, paying money, or clicking a harmful link.
Read articleRansomware
Malware that locks your files and demands payment to unlock them. Regular backups are the best defence.
Read articleSextortion
A scam where someone threatens to share intimate images unless paid. Victims should not pay, should save evidence, and should seek help.
Read articleSIM swapping
A scam where a criminal tricks your phone company into moving your number to their SIM, so they receive your calls and security codes.
Read articleSmishing
Phishing carried out by SMS text message rather than email.
Read articleSocial engineering
Manipulating people — rather than hacking machines — into giving up information or access, using trust, fear, or urgency.
Read articleSpoofing
Faking a sender's identity — a phone number, email address, or website — so a scam appears to come from someone you trust.
Read articleTor Browser
A free browser that anonymises your web activity by routing it through multiple relays. Used by people who need strong privacy.
Read articleTracker
Hidden code on websites and in apps that records what you do and reports it back to advertising or analytics companies.
Read articleTwo-factor authentication (2FA)
A second step when logging in — usually a code from your phone — so a stolen password alone can't get someone into your account.
Read articleVPN (Virtual Private Network)
A tool that encrypts your internet connection and hides your browsing from the local network and your internet provider.
Read article