P312 Broadband Security Gateway
Glossary AA
on a host system. Objects include directories and an assortment of file types, including
text files, graphics, video, and audio. A URL is the address of an object that is normally
typed in the Address field of a Web browser. The URL is basically a pointer to the
location of an object.
VPN Virtual Private Network. These networks use public connections (such as the Internet)
to transfer information. That information is usually encrypted for security purposes.
Vulnerability Point where a system can be attacked.
WAN Wide Area Network s link geographically dispersed offices in other cities or around the
globe. Just about any long-distance communication medium can serve as a WAN link,
including switched and permanent telephone circuits, terrestrial radio systems, and
satellite systems.
War Dialer A program that automatically dials phone numbers looking for computers on the other
end. They catalog numbers so that hackers can call back and try to break in.
Warez A term that describes Pirated Software on the Internet. Warez include cracked games
or other programs that software pirates distribute on the Internet
Wire Tapping Connecting to a network and monitoring all traffic. Most wire tapping features can only
monitor the traffic on their subnet.
Worm A program that seeks access into other computers. Once a worm penetrates another
computer it continues seeking access to other areas. Worms are often equipped with
dictionary-based password crackers and other cracker tools that enable them to
penetrate more systems. Worms often steal or vandalize computer data.
WWW (World Wide Web) -- Frequently used when referring to "The Internet", WWW has two
major meanings - First, loosely used: the whole constellation of resources that can be
accessed using Gopher, FTP, HTTP, telnet, USENET, WAIS and some other tools.
Second, the universe of hypertext servers (HTTP servers).