Plain-language glossary

Tech terms explained simply, without jargon. Use this as a reference any time you read or hear a word you don't recognize.

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AI / Artificial intelligence: Software that can do tasks usually requiring human intelligence — recognizing speech, writing text, generating images. Voice assistants like Siri and Alexa use AI. Scammers also use AI to clone voices and write convincing scam messages.
Account: Your personal record at a company's website — username, password, profile, preferences. Each major service (email, bank, Amazon, Facebook) has its own account.
App: Short for "application" — a program you download to your phone or tablet. Apps come from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).

Backup: A copy of your files saved somewhere else, in case the original is lost or damaged. Cloud backups happen automatically; you can also back up to an external hard drive.
Bluetooth: A way for nearby devices to talk to each other without wires. Used for wireless headphones, hearing aids, and pairing your phone with a car's speakers.
Browser: The program you use to view websites. Common browsers include Safari (on Apple devices), Chrome (Google's browser), Edge (Microsoft's browser), and Firefox.

Cache: A temporary storage area for website files, so pages load faster the next time you visit. If a website looks broken or out of date, clearing your cache often fixes it.
Cloud / Cloud storage: Files stored on a company's computers (the "cloud") instead of just on your own device. Examples: iCloud (Apple), Google Drive, Dropbox. Useful for backing up photos and accessing files from multiple devices.
Cookies: Small files that websites save to your computer to remember you. Most cookies are harmless and helpful (they remember you're logged in). Some track you across many sites for advertising. You can clear cookies in your browser settings.
Credit freeze: A free service that locks your credit reports so no one can open new credit accounts in your name without your permission. Recommended for anyone who isn't actively applying for credit. Set it up with all three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Data breach: When a company's computers are hacked and customer information (emails, passwords, credit cards) is stolen. After a breach, you should change your password for that company and any account where you used the same password.

HTTPS: The "s" at the end of "https://" means a website connection is secure — your data is scrambled as it travels. Most legitimate sites use https. The padlock icon in your browser shows the same thing.

Identity theft: When someone steals your personal information (Social Security number, birth date, address) to open credit cards, file fake tax returns, or commit other fraud in your name.

Junk mail filter: A feature in your email that automatically sorts spam and suspicious messages into a separate folder, so they don't clutter your inbox.

Malware: Software designed to harm your computer or steal information. Viruses, ransomware, and spyware are all types of malware.

Operating system: The main software that runs your device. iPhones run iOS, Macs run macOS, most PCs run Windows, Android phones run Android.

Password manager: An app that remembers all your passwords for you. You only need to remember one strong "master password" to unlock the app. Examples: 1Password, Bitwarden, Apple's built-in iCloud Keychain.
Phishing: A fake email, text, or website that pretends to be from a real company (your bank, Amazon, etc.) to trick you into giving up your password or other personal information. Most scams you'll encounter online are some form of phishing.

Ransomware: Malware that locks up your files and demands payment to unlock them. Sometimes affects whole hospitals or businesses, but can also target individuals.

Settings: The part of your phone or computer where you change preferences — sound volume, screen brightness, Wi-Fi, privacy controls. Most "how do I change X" questions are answered in Settings.
Smishing: Phishing that comes by text message ("SMS phishing"). The fake "package delivery" or "bank alert" texts you may have received are smishing.
Software update: A new version of a program or operating system, often containing security fixes. It's important to install updates promptly — they patch security holes that scammers might exploit.
Spam: Unwanted bulk email or text messages, usually advertising or scams. Most email programs have a "Spam" or "Junk" folder that automatically catches these.
Spear phishing: A targeted phishing attack aimed at a specific person, using personal details (your name, your bank, your employer) to seem more believable.
Spyware: Software that secretly watches what you do — keystrokes, websites visited, passwords typed — and sends it to a scammer.
Strong password: A password that's long (at least 12 characters), uses a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and isn't reused on other accounts. The strongest passwords aren't words at all — they're random characters generated by a password manager.

Two-factor authentication: A way to log into an account that requires both your password AND a second step — usually a code texted to your phone or shown in an app. Even if someone steals your password, they can't get in without your phone. Sometimes called 2FA, multi-factor authentication, or MFA.

URL: The web address of a website — what you type into a browser. Like "google.com" or "keepupacademy.com." Looking at the URL is one of the best ways to spot a fake website.

VPN: A Virtual Private Network — a service that hides your internet traffic from other people on your network. Useful when using public Wi-Fi at coffee shops or hotels. Not necessary at home.
Virus: A type of malware that spreads from one computer to another, often through email attachments or downloaded files.
Vishing: Phishing by phone call ("voice phishing"). Scam calls pretending to be from the IRS, your bank, or Medicare are vishing.

Wi-Fi: A way for your device to connect to the internet without wires. Your home Wi-Fi network has a name and a password. Public Wi-Fi (in coffee shops, hotels) is convenient but less safe — avoid logging into banking on public Wi-Fi.