93 safety terms explained

Glossary

Plain-language definitions, not tech-speak.

A B C D E F G H IL M NP Q R S T U V WZ

93 terms

Account Recovery: The process of regaining access to an account after being locked out or forgetting your password. Legitimate recovery uses email or phone verification. Scammers sometimes pose as “account recovery specialists” to steal your credentials.
Ad Blocker: A tool (usually a browser extension or app setting) that prevents advertisements from appearing on websites. Can also block some malicious ads that lead to scam websites.
Algorithm: A set of instructions that tells a computer how to complete a task. When people say “the algorithm” on social media, they usually mean the system that decides what posts, ads, or videos to show you based on what you’ve clicked on before.
Amazon Echo: A smart speaker made by Amazon that uses the AI assistant Alexa. Controlled by voice. Available in several versions, including models with screens (Echo Show).
App: Short for “application.” A program you download to your phone, tablet, or computer that performs a specific function. Your email, weather, and banking tools are all apps.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Technology that recognizes patterns in large amounts of data and uses those patterns to make predictions, generate text, create images, or perform tasks. It is not a thinking machine. It is very fast pattern matching.
Audiobook: A recording of someone reading a book out loud. Available through apps like Audible (paid) and Libby (free through your local library with a library card).
Authentication: The process of proving you are who you say you are when logging into an account. Usually involves a password, and sometimes a second step like a code texted to your phone.
Autofill: A feature on your phone or browser that automatically fills in forms with your saved information (name, address, credit card). Convenient but worth reviewing periodically to make sure it’s not storing information you’d rather keep private.

Biometrics: Using a physical characteristic to verify your identity, such as your fingerprint, your face (Face ID), or your voice. Used to unlock phones and authorize purchases.
Bluetooth: A wireless technology that lets devices connect to each other over short distances. Used to connect headphones, hearing aids, speakers, and other accessories to your phone or tablet.
Bot: A computer program that performs automated tasks. Some bots are helpful (chatbots on customer service websites). Some are harmful (bots that flood social media with fake comments or scam messages).
Browser: The app you use to access websites on the internet. Common browsers include Safari (on Apple devices), Chrome (Google), Firefox, and Edge (Microsoft).

CAPTCHA: Those puzzles on websites that ask you to identify traffic lights, crosswalks, or type distorted letters. They’re designed to prove you’re a human and not a computer program.
Catfishing: Creating a fake online identity to deceive someone, usually in a romantic context. AI has made catfishing more convincing through generated profile photos and AI-powered conversation.
Chatbot: A computer program that communicates with you through text or voice, simulating a conversation. Some are helpful (customer service bots on legitimate websites). Some are dangerous (fake bots designed to steal your information).
ChatGPT: An AI tool made by a company called OpenAI that you can talk to by typing or speaking in plain English. It can answer questions, write letters, explain concepts, and help with a wide range of everyday tasks. Similar tools include Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude.
Claude: An AI assistant made by a company called Anthropic. Similar to ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, it can answer questions, help with writing, explain complex topics, and assist with everyday tasks through text or voice conversation.
Click: To tap or press on a link, button, or image on a screen. “Don’t click that link” means don’t tap on it or select it.
Cloud: A way of storing files, photos, and data on the internet instead of on your device. When someone says your photos are “in the cloud,” they mean they’re saved on a company’s servers and accessible from any device you log into.
Cookie: A small file that a website saves on your device to remember information about you, such as your login status or what’s in your shopping cart. Some cookies track your browsing activity for advertising purposes.
Credit Freeze: A free security measure you can place with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) that prevents anyone from opening new credit accounts in your name. You can lift it temporarily whenever you need to apply for credit yourself.
Cryptocurrency: Digital money (like Bitcoin) that exists only online and is not backed by any government or bank. Because cryptocurrency transactions are difficult to trace or reverse, scammers frequently request payment in cryptocurrency.
Cybersecurity: The practice of protecting computers, networks, and data from unauthorized access or attacks. What this book teaches you is personal cybersecurity.

Dark Web: A hidden part of the internet that requires special software to access. Stolen personal information, including passwords and credit card numbers from data breaches, is often sold on the dark web.
Data: Information. In a technology context, “your data” means any information about you that’s stored digitally, including your name, email, browsing history, purchase history, location, and more.
Data Breach: When a company’s computer systems are hacked and customer information (names, emails, passwords, account numbers) is stolen. This happens frequently and is often how scammers get the personal details they use to make their approaches convincing.
Deepfake: A video or image created by AI that shows a real person doing or saying something they never actually did or said. Used in scams to impersonate public figures, create fake endorsements, or fabricate evidence that someone is real.
Download: To transfer a file, app, or program from the internet to your device. Be cautious about downloading anything from sources you don’t recognize.

Encryption: A method of scrambling information so that only authorized people can read it. When a website or messaging app says it uses encryption, it means your data is protected while it travels over the internet.

Face ID: A feature on newer iPhones and iPads that unlocks your device by recognizing your face. Uses AI to map your facial features. Generally secure and convenient.
Firewall: A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic on your computer. Most computers have one built in and turned on by default.

Generative AI: AI that creates new content, including text, images, audio, and video. ChatGPT generates text. Other tools generate realistic photos of people who don’t exist or clone someone’s voice from a short recording.
Gift Card Scam: A scam where someone asks you to buy gift cards (Google Play, iTunes, Amazon) and read them the card numbers over the phone. No legitimate business, government agency, or law enforcement organization will ever ask for payment in gift cards.
Google Assistant: The AI voice assistant built into Google devices, including Google Nest speakers and Android phones. Activated by saying “OK Google” or “Hey Google.”
GPS: Global Positioning System. The technology in your phone that determines your location. Used by maps, weather apps, and ride services. Can be turned on or off in your phone’s settings.

Hacker: A person who gains unauthorized access to computer systems or accounts. Hackers may steal personal information, install malware, or take control of accounts.
HTTPS: The “s” stands for “secure.” When a website address starts with https://, it means the connection between your browser and the website is encrypted. Look for this before entering any personal information on a website. If a site only shows http:// (no “s”), be cautious.

Identity Theft: When someone uses your personal information (Social Security number, bank details, etc.) to open accounts, make purchases, or commit fraud in your name. A credit freeze is one of the best protections against it.
Internet of Things (IoT): A term for everyday objects that connect to the internet, such as smart thermostats, smart doorbells, smart refrigerators, and fitness trackers.
IP Address: A unique number assigned to your device when it connects to the internet. Think of it like a return address for your internet activity. VPNs can mask your IP address for added privacy.

Libby: A free app that connects to your local public library’s digital collection of ebooks and audiobooks. All you need is a library card.
Link: Text or an image you can click or tap to go to another webpage, open a file, or start a download. Scam emails and texts often contain links that lead to fake websites. When in doubt, don’t click.
Login Credentials: Your username (or email) and password for an account. Guard these carefully and never share them with someone who contacted you.

Malware: Software designed to harm your computer or steal your information. It can be installed when you click a malicious link, download a suspicious attachment, or visit a compromised website.
Medicare: The federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. Medicare will almost never call you. If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare and asking for your Medicare number, it’s almost certainly a scam.
Metadata: Information about a file that you might not see directly. A photo’s metadata might include the date, time, and location where it was taken. This information can sometimes reveal more about you than you intend when sharing photos online.
Mute Button: A physical button on smart speakers and voice assistants that turns off the microphone. When muted, the device cannot hear anything, including its wake word. Use it whenever you want privacy.

Notification: An alert from an app or device, usually appearing as a banner on your screen or a sound on your phone. Not all notifications require action. Be cautious of notifications that create urgency or ask you to click immediately.

Passphrase: A password made up of several unrelated words strung together, like “purple-giraffe-tuesday-lamp.” Easier to remember than a random string of characters but much harder for a computer to crack because of its length.
Password: A secret word or phrase used to access an account. Strong passwords are long, unique to each account, and not based on easily guessable information like your birthday or pet’s name.
Password Manager: An app that stores all your passwords securely so you only need to remember one master password. Examples include 1Password and Bitwarden. Your phone may also offer to save and manage passwords for you automatically.
Phishing: A scam where someone pretends to be a legitimate company or person (usually through email or text) to trick you into sharing personal information or clicking a malicious link. AI has made phishing messages much more convincing and harder to spot.
Pop-up: A window that appears suddenly on your screen, usually while browsing the internet. Some pop-ups are harmless (cookie notices). Others are scams designed to scare you into calling a fake support number or downloading malware. Close them by closing the browser tab, not by clicking anything inside the pop-up.
Privacy Policy: A document on a website or app that explains what data the company collects, how it’s used, and who it’s shared with. These are often long and complicated, but they exist to inform you of your rights.
Privacy Settings: Controls on your accounts and devices that let you choose who can see your information, what data is collected about you, and how it’s used. Found in the settings menu of apps like Facebook, your phone, and your smart home devices.
Profile: Your personal page on a social media platform or online service. Contains information you’ve shared about yourself. Review your profile regularly to make sure you’re not sharing more than you intend.

QR Code: A square barcode that you scan with your phone’s camera to open a website, download an app, or access information. Generally safe when found on official materials, but scammers sometimes place fake QR codes over real ones in public places.

Ransomware: A type of malware that locks your files and demands payment to unlock them. Primarily targets businesses and organizations, but individuals can be affected too. Regular backups of important files are the best protection.
Robocall: An automated phone call that delivers a prerecorded message. Many robocalls are scams. If you receive one asking you to press a number or call back, hang up.
Router: The device in your home that creates your Wi-Fi network. Usually provided by your internet company. Keeping its software up to date and using a strong Wi-Fi password helps protect all devices on your network.

Scam: A dishonest scheme designed to steal your money, personal information, or both. Scams can arrive by phone, email, text, social media, mail, or in person.
Screenshot: A photo of what’s currently displayed on your screen. Useful for saving information or showing someone what you’re seeing. On most phones, press the power button and volume button at the same time.
Search Engine: A tool for finding information on the internet. Google is the most common search engine. Others include Bing and DuckDuckGo (which focuses on privacy).
Server: A powerful computer that stores data and delivers it to other computers over the internet. When you visit a website, your browser is requesting information from that website’s server.
SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program): A free government program available in every state that provides personalized counseling to help you understand your Medicare options. Staffed by trained volunteers. Not connected to any insurance company.
Siri: Apple’s AI voice assistant, built into iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and HomePod speakers. Activated by saying “Hey Siri” or pressing a button.
Smart Home Device: A device connected to the internet that can be controlled by voice or an app. Includes voice assistants like Amazon Echo (Alexa), Google Nest (Google Assistant), and Apple HomePod (Siri), as well as smart lights, thermostats, and locks.
Smishing: Phishing conducted through text messages (SMS) rather than email. The same rules apply: don’t click links, don’t share information, and verify independently.
Social Engineering: Manipulating people into giving up confidential information or taking actions that compromise their security. All the scams in this book are forms of social engineering. The AI is the tool. The manipulation is the method.
Software Update: A new version of a program or operating system that often includes security fixes. Keeping your phone, computer, and apps updated is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself, because updates frequently close security holes that hackers could exploit.
Spam: Unwanted messages, usually sent in bulk. Most email services automatically filter spam into a separate folder. Spam can be merely annoying (advertisements) or dangerous (phishing attempts).
Spoofing: When a scammer disguises their phone number or email address to make it look like the call or message is coming from a trusted source. Your caller ID might show your bank’s name even though the call is actually from a scammer.
Streaming: Watching or listening to content over the internet in real time, rather than downloading it first. Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify are streaming services.

Tablet: A portable touchscreen device larger than a phone but smaller than a laptop. iPads and Samsung Galaxy Tabs are common examples. Many seniors find tablets easier to use than phones because of the larger screen.
Telehealth: A medical appointment conducted over video or phone instead of in person. Standard telehealth with a real licensed doctor is safe and widely used. Be cautious of services that replace human doctors with AI-only consultations.
Text Message (SMS): A short written message sent between phones. Can also include images and links. Scam texts (smishing) are increasingly common and increasingly convincing thanks to AI.
Touchscreen: A screen that responds to touch, allowing you to interact with your device by tapping, swiping, and pinching. Used on smartphones, tablets, and some laptops.
Tracking: When companies or websites monitor your online activity, including what pages you visit, what you click on, and what you search for. Usually done for advertising purposes. Privacy settings and ad blockers can reduce tracking.
Two-Factor Authentication (also called Two-Step Verification): An extra security step where, after entering your password, you also enter a code sent to your phone. This means that even if someone steals your password, they can’t log in without your phone. Takes about ten seconds and makes your account much harder to break into.

URL: The address of a website, shown in the bar at the top of your browser. For example, www.google.com. Before entering personal information on any website, check the URL carefully to make sure you’re on the real site and not a fake one.
USB Drive: A small portable storage device that plugs into a computer’s USB port. Used to transfer or back up files. Be cautious about plugging in USB drives from unknown sources, as they can carry malware.

Venmo: A mobile payment app that lets you send money to other people. Like Zelle, payments are generally irreversible. Use only with people you know and trust.
Virus: A type of malware that can copy itself and spread to other devices. Keeping your software updated and being cautious about what you click and download are the best defenses.
Voice Assistant: An AI-powered tool that responds to spoken commands. Includes Alexa (Amazon), Siri (Apple), and Google Assistant (Google). Used to answer questions, set reminders, make calls, play music, and control smart home devices.
Voice Cloning: AI technology that can create a near-perfect copy of someone’s voice from a short audio sample. Scammers use it to impersonate family members, usually in fake emergency calls designed to pressure you into sending money.
Voice-to-Text: A feature on phones and tablets that converts your spoken words into typed text. Useful for sending messages, writing emails, or searching the internet without typing. Look for the microphone icon on your keyboard.
VPN (Virtual Private Network): A tool that creates a secure, private connection when you’re using the internet, especially on public Wi-Fi networks like those in coffee shops, airports, or hotels. It helps prevent others on the same network from seeing your online activity.

Wake Word: The specific word or phrase that activates a voice assistant. “Alexa” for Amazon Echo, “Hey Siri” for Apple devices, “OK Google” for Google devices. The device listens for this word at all times but only starts recording and processing your request after it hears it.
Wearable: A device worn on the body that connects to the internet, such as a smartwatch (Apple Watch, Fitbit) or a fitness tracker. Can monitor health data like heart rate, steps, and sleep patterns.
Wi-Fi: A wireless internet connection in your home, office, or public location. Your home Wi-Fi should be protected with a strong password. Public Wi-Fi (in coffee shops, libraries, hotels) is less secure and should be used with caution for anything involving personal information.
Wire Transfer: Sending money electronically from one bank account to another. Wire transfers are fast and generally irreversible, which is why scammers often request them. Never wire money to someone you haven’t met in person.

Zelle: A payment service built into many banking apps that lets you send money to other people instantly. Because payments are immediate and generally irreversible, treat any request for a Zelle payment from someone you don’t personally know with extreme caution.