Understanding IT

A set of rules that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs enable integrations between your business tools.

Technology that enables machines to simulate human intelligence — learning from data, recognizing patterns, and making decisions. In business, AI powers tools like chatbots, predictive analytics, automated document processing, and smart search.

The use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention. In a business context, automation can handle repetitive processes like data entry, invoice processing, employee onboarding workflows, and email responses — freeing your team to focus on higher-value work.

The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection in a given time. Higher bandwidth means faster data transfer.

A strategy and set of tools to back up your data and restore operations quickly after a cyberattack, hardware failure, or natural disaster.

A decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across a network of computers. Each 'block' of data is linked to the previous one, making it extremely difficult to alter records. While best known for cryptocurrency, blockchain is also used for supply chain tracking, secure document verification, and tamper-proof audit trails.

The planning and preparation that ensures your business can continue operating during and after a disruption — whether it's a cyberattack, natural disaster, power outage, or equipment failure. A strong business continuity plan includes data backups, failover systems, communication protocols, and recovery time objectives.

A policy that allows employees to use their personal devices — laptops, phones, tablets — for work purposes. BYOD can reduce hardware costs but introduces security risks if devices aren't properly managed with mobile device management (MDM) tools, access controls, and security policies.

Delivering computing services — servers, storage, databases, software — over the internet instead of using local hardware. Examples include Microsoft 365 and AWS.

Software that helps businesses manage interactions with current and potential customers. Popular examples include Salesforce and HubSpot.

The practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, unauthorized access, and damage.

A cloud computing solution where a virtual desktop is hosted and managed by a third-party provider, allowing users to access their desktop from any device.

The system that translates human-readable website names (like google.com) into IP addresses that computers use to find each other on the internet.

Security software that continuously monitors devices (endpoints) to detect and respond to cyber threats like malware and ransomware.

Any device that connects to your business network — computers, laptops, phones, tablets, printers, and IoT devices.

Business management software that integrates core processes like finance, HR, supply chain, and operations into a single system.

A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined rules, acting as a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks.

A European Union regulation that governs how organizations collect, store, and process personal data of EU residents. Even U.S. businesses may need to comply if they serve EU customers. GDPR requires consent for data collection, breach notification within 72 hours, and gives individuals the right to access or delete their data.

A U.S. law that requires healthcare organizations and their vendors to protect patient health information with specific security and privacy controls.

A cloud computing model where a provider delivers virtualized computing resources — servers, storage, networking — over the internet on a pay-as-you-go basis.

The network of physical devices — sensors, cameras, smart thermostats, manufacturing equipment, and more — connected to the internet that collect and share data. IoT devices can improve efficiency and automation but also expand your attack surface if not properly secured.

A unique numerical label assigned to every device on a network, used to identify and communicate with that device.

A company that provides internet access to businesses and consumers, such as Comcast, AT&T, or a local fiber provider.

A reference of common cybersecurity threats businesses face, including malware, ransomware, phishing, man-in-the-middle attacks, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, insider threats, credential stuffing, and zero-day exploits. Understanding these threats is the first step toward building a strong defense.

A security method that requires two or more forms of verification (password + phone code, for example) before granting access to an account.

A company that remotely manages a business's IT infrastructure and end-user systems, typically on a subscription basis. PhantomTS is an MSP.

Malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. Includes viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware.

A concept describing today's technology-enabled workplace — where teams collaborate using cloud platforms, video conferencing, shared documents, and mobile devices from anywhere. The modern office blends in-person and remote work, relying on tools like Microsoft 365, Teams, VoIP, and secure VPN access to keep everyone connected and productive.

A dedicated storage device connected to your network that allows multiple users to store and access files from a central location.

The policies, practices, and technologies used to protect your business network from unauthorized access, misuse, and threats. This includes firewalls, intrusion detection systems, network segmentation (VLANs), access controls, and continuous monitoring to ensure only authorized users and devices can access your resources.

In IT, the process of setting up new employees with accounts, devices, software, and security access so they can start working on day one.

A cloud computing model that provides a platform for developers to build, run, and manage applications without managing the underlying infrastructure.

A software update released by a vendor to fix security vulnerabilities, bugs, or add features. Regular patching is critical for cybersecurity.

A set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. Compliance is required by major card brands and involves requirements like encryption, access controls, regular testing, and network monitoring.

A type of cyberattack where attackers send fraudulent emails or messages designed to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information or clicking malicious links.

A data storage technology that combines multiple hard drives to improve performance and/or protect against data loss if a drive fails.

A type of malware that encrypts your files and demands payment (ransom) to restore access. It's one of the most common and damaging cyber threats to businesses. Ransomware often enters through phishing emails or unpatched software and can shut down operations for days or weeks.

Software used by IT providers to remotely monitor, manage, and maintain client devices and networks proactively.

Software delivered over the internet on a subscription basis rather than installed locally. Examples include Microsoft 365, QuickBooks Online, and Slack.

A networking approach that uses software to manage and optimize connections between office locations, improving performance and reducing costs compared to traditional WANs.

The use of artificial intelligence tools — like ChatGPT, AI writing assistants, or image generators — by employees without the knowledge or approval of IT or management. Shadow AI can expose sensitive company data to third-party platforms, create compliance risks, and produce unreliable outputs. Organizations need clear AI usage policies and approved tool lists.

Technology tools, software, or cloud services used by employees without the approval or knowledge of the IT department. Common examples include personal Dropbox accounts, unauthorized messaging apps, or unapproved SaaS tools. Shadow IT creates security blind spots because these tools aren't monitored, patched, or backed up.

A security solution that collects and analyzes log data from across your network to detect threats, suspicious activity, and compliance issues in real time.

A contract between a service provider and client that defines expected service standards — response times, uptime guarantees, and support availability.

A centralized team (or service) that monitors, detects, analyzes, and responds to cybersecurity threats around the clock.

A U.S. federal law that sets requirements for financial reporting and internal controls for publicly traded companies. SOX compliance requires businesses to maintain accurate financial records, implement access controls on financial systems, and establish audit trails — all of which have significant IT implications.

Encryption protocols that secure data transmitted between a web browser and a server. The padlock icon in your browser means SSL/TLS is active.

An authentication method that allows users to log in once and access multiple applications without re-entering credentials for each one.

A networking device that connects devices within a local network (LAN) and directs data to the correct destination device.

A cloud-based platform that combines voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools into a single service. Examples include Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

A battery backup device that provides emergency power to equipment during an outage, giving you time to safely shut down systems or switch to a generator.

The collection of digital information that represents you or your business online — including email addresses, domain names, social media accounts, login credentials, digital certificates, and public records. Managing your virtual identity means controlling who has access to this information, monitoring for impersonation or breaches, and ensuring your online presence accurately represents your brand.

A technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection over the internet, allowing remote employees to safely access company resources as if they were in the office.

A method of segmenting a physical network into separate virtual networks to improve security, performance, and management.

A technology that allows you to make phone calls using an internet connection instead of traditional phone lines, often reducing costs and adding features.

A security model that assumes no user or device should be trusted by default — every access request is verified, regardless of location or network.