Have you ever had a meeting with your IT consultant or managed service provider that left you with more questions than answers? Like in every industry, in the tech space, there are terms and acronyms used frequently by IT professionals that might confuse those outside the industry.

If you’ve ever felt a bit overwhelmed by tech speak, you’re not alone, and I can help. Below, I’ve compiled a list of words and phrases you might often hear in your IT meetings, and I’ve provided some simple definitions so that you can go into your next meeting with more confidence and less confusion.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing refers to delivering computing services, including storage, processing power, and applications, over the Internet via a remote data center. It offers on-demand access to resources without the need for on-premises infrastructure. Learn more about the cloud over on our blog.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity involves protecting computer systems, networks, and data from security breaches, unauthorized access, and cyber attacks. It encompasses a range of practices and technologies to safeguard digital assets.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR)

BCDR is a strategy that involves creating a plan for business continuity and establishing processes for recovering key data in the event of data loss or a disaster. It ensures business resilience, risk mitigation and minimizes downtime. BCDR is not the same as back-up services, but it includes them. Learn about our BCDR services here.

Firewall

A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It is a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN is a technology that establishes a secure and encrypted connection over the Internet, allowing users to access a private network remotely. It enhances security and privacy, especially when accessing sensitive data.

Malware

Malware, short for malicious software, is designed to harm or exploit computer systems. This includes viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other types of malicious code.

Phishing

Phishing is a type of cyber attack where attackers use deceptive emails, messages, or websites to trick individuals into disclosing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, or financial details.

Domain Name System (DNS)

DNS is a system that translates human-readable domain names into numerical IP addresses, allowing computers to locate and connect on the Internet. It is crucial for web browsing and communication. Want to learn more? Head over to our blog for a deeper dive on DNS here.

IT Infrastructure

IT infrastructure comprises the hardware, software, networks, and other components that form the foundation of an organization’s IT environment. It includes servers, storage, networking equipment, and more.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

BYOD is a policy that allows employees to use their personal devices, such as smartphones, laptops, or tablets, for work purposes. It can enhance flexibility but requires careful security considerations. Check out our blog on the risks of BYOD here.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS is a cloud computing model where software applications are delivered over the Internet on a subscription basis. Users can typically access the software from multiple devices over the internet.

Endpoint Security

Endpoint security protects individual devices (endpoints), such as computers, laptops, and mobile devices, from security threats. It includes antivirus software, firewalls, and other security measures.

IT Support Ticket

An IT support ticket is a formal request for help or assistance with an IT issue. It is typically submitted to an IT support team or helpdesk and helps track the issue resolution progress.

Patch Management

Patch management is the process of identifying, acquiring, testing, and applying software updates or patches to address vulnerabilities and improve the security and performance of systems. Learn more about patch management over on the blog.

Encryption

Encryption is the process of converting data into a secure format using algorithms to prevent unauthorized access. It is commonly employed to protect sensitive information during transmission and storage.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

enables voice communication over the Internet. It converts voice signals into digital data packets for transmission, allowing for cost-effective and scalable voice communication.

IT Strategy

An IT strategy is a comprehensive plan aligning an organization’s IT goals with its overall business objectives. It outlines how technology will be used to support and advance the business. Dive into our blog on IT Strategy here.

Data Backup

Data backup involves creating copies of essential data to safeguard against data loss, accidental deletion, or system failures. It is a critical component of data protection and recovery.

Single Sign-On (SSO)

SSO is an authentication process that allows users to access multiple applications or services with a single set of login credentials. It simplifies the user experience.

IT Budget

An IT budget is a financial plan that outlines allocating resources for IT-related expenses, including hardware, software, maintenance, security, and other IT initiatives. Want to learn more about how you can maximize the ROI of your technology investments? Check out our blog here.

Understanding the above IT terms can empower small business owners to make informed decisions, communicate effectively with IT professionals, ask more intuitive questions, and navigate the digital landscape with increased confidence.