Glossary of Basic Terms Related to Cyberstalking
Bluetooth: Is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short wavelength radio transmissions) from fixed and mobile devices.
Chatroom: A chat room is a website, part of a website, or part of an online service that provides a venue for communities of users with a common interest to communicate in real time.
Facebook: Very popular social networking site that allows users to create a profile, connect with other users and exchange messages, including pictures and video. Includes a public and private messaging option, and chat capabilities.
Email: Short-form for electronic mail, refers to the method of exchanging digital messages between two or more parties.
GPS: Abbreviation for global positioning system. A device equipped with a GPS transmitter will, when enabled, provide information that can pinpoint the users location.
Hacking: The process of illegally gaining access to a closed or protected system by circumventing security measures.
IM: Short-form for instant messaging, a real-time text based communication between two or more people using specific software designed for that purpose. Can be be text, images or video. Also referred to as a chat.
ISP: Short for internet service provider, the company that offers a customer access to the internet.
Keystroke Logger: A small piece of hardware that is inserted between the keyboard cable and the back of the computer. The device contains a small hard drive that records every key typed, including passwords, websites and email.
Malware: Short-form for malicious software designed to access a computer system without the owner’s knowledge or consent. Can include viruses, Trojans, spyware.
Netiquette: Refers to network etiquette, or a series of social conventions that govern how individuals interact online.
Screen name or identity: The assumed name that a user chooses for use in online communities, websites and social networks. It may or may not be associated with their actual identity.
Screenshot: Also known as a screen capture, it refers to an image that is taken by the computer, capturing what is displayed on the computer or device’s monitor/screen.
Sexting: Sending sexually explicit or suggestive content between mobile phones or devices, can be text, images or video.
SmartPhone: A mobile phone that offers advanced features like access to the internet, email, applications like those found on personal computers. Can be thought of as a handheld computer.
Social Networks: Online platforms that are constructed to connect individuals and build communities of individuals with shared interests or activities. Users will have a personal identity on the site.
Spyware: Is a type of hidden software that is installed on the victim's computer without their knowledge. It is generally very small and will not interfere with the computer's functioning so as to go unnoticed.
Texting: Also known as text messaging, an exchange of brief messages between mobile phones or devices over a network, can be text, images or video.
Troll: Name for an individual who seeks to draw people into pointless/controversial/off-topic debates or discussions to lend themselves more credibility than they deserve. Generally occurs on public websites or forums.
Trojan: A computer program that is hidden within legitimate software, meant to modify, damage, or destroy the victim’s information. Can also be used to create an opening in protection/security for further exploits.
Twitter: A social networking service that allows users to post public and private messages. Messages are limited to 140 characters in length.
Virus: A piece of programming/code that is designed to cause an unexpected or undesired effect, can both damage software and files, and be spread to an infected users contacts. Generally hidden within seemingly legitimate files.
WiFi: Refers to the provision of access to the internet without the need for wires, transmission is over radio waves.
