Network Security Glossary
A list of frequently used terms
This glossary contains a list of terms, abbreviations, and acronyms frequently used when discussing networks, security, firewalls, and WatchGuard products.
# | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | All
W
- WAN (Wide Area Network)
- A computer network that spans a relatively large geographical area. Typically, a WAN consists of two or more local area networks (LANs) connected by a high-speed line.
- WatchGuard LiveSecurity® Service
- Part of the WatchGuard Firebox Security System offering, separate from the software and the Firebox, which keeps network defenses current. The LiveSecurity Service includes software updates, technical support, timely broadcasts of security intelligence, and a resource-rich Web site containing FAQs, archived articles, online training, a moderated user forum, and the latest software.
- WatchGuard Security Event Processor (WSEP)
- WatchGuard's proprietary log server software. It provides critical timing services for the Firebox and includes its own GUI.
See server and client/server.
- WebBlocker
- An optional WatchGuard software module that prevents users behind the Firebox from accessing undesirable Web sites. It works based on a regularly updated database of sites that could be objectionable, categorized by content type (e.g., pornography, gambling, or racist hatred sites).
- Web browser
- Software used to view the World Wide Web, a graphically rich presentation of information on the Internet. The most popular Web browser is Microsoft's Internet Explorer, but other browsers such as Netscape Navigator and Opera are available. To find specific sites on the Web, you enter a URL in your Web browser.
- Web of Trust
- A term describing a relationship-based extension of the concept of trust, popularized in PGP. For example, if you trust Bob and Bob says Rachel is a good auto mechanic, you'll trust Rachel to fix your car even if you have not previously met Rachel. A similar concept is used to validate encryption keys in PGP. If you know and trust Bob, and Bob gives you a text block and says it is Rachel's public key, you'll accept the text block as Rachel's key even if you don't know Rachel. If Rachel later sends a message encrypted with or signed by her private key, you'll be ready to decrypt it or verify the signature because you have her public key. You can then pass Rachel's public key to someone who trusts you, thus extending the Web of Trust by another node.
- Web page
- A single HTML-formatted file posted where it can be accessed via the World Wide Web.
- Web site
- A collection of affiliated Web pages.
- WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
- The security aspects of 802.11b, a standard that enables wireless devices such as PDAs and laptop computers to access a network via radio frequencies instead of physical wiring. WEP has three tasks: 1) to authenticate clients to access points; 2) to encrypt the data exchanged between the clients and access points; and 3) to include an integrity check with every packet exchanged. The initial implementation of WEP provides weak security. While it is not completely useless, it is best used as another layer of security in conjunction with stronger measures.
- WFS (WatchGuard Firebox System)
- Software used for managing WatchGuard's Firebox model firewalls. WFS consists of multiple components, some used on a PC you designate as a Management Station, and some loaded into the Firebox's memory. WFS enables such features as configuring the policies of the Firebox, setting up and customizing services, logging, monitoring, and reporting.
- white hat
- A person who investigates flaws in network security measures in order to strengthen them and to prevent computer networks from being invaded. When such a researcher discovers new security flaws, he or she reports them to the appropriate vendor to be fixed, rather than using the knowledge illicitly. See black hat.
- WINS (Windows Internet Name Service)
- WINS provides name resolution for computers running Windows NT, Windows 98, and earlier versions of Microsoft operating systems. With name resolution, users access servers by name rather than needing to use IP addresses.
- WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
- A computer network that spans a relatively small area, generally confined to a single building or group of buildings. In a wireless network, devices connect through high-frequency radio waves using IEEE standard 802.11.
- World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
- An international industry consortium founded in 1994 to develop common protocols for the evolution of the World Wide Web. W3C has around 450 member organizations from around the world.
- WPA (WiFi Protected Access)
- A data encryption specification for 802.11 wireless networks. Wireless networks rely on radio waves, which broadcast in all directions. Any device within range of a wireless access point could eavesdrop upon its transmissions. WPA encrypts wireless data so that an eavesdropper intercepts gibberish, while authorized endpoints receive clear, decrypted data. WPA replaces WEP, a weaker wireless encryption standard that attackers can readily break.
- worm
- A self-replicating program that seeks access into other computers by exploiting security flaws. After a worm penetrates another computer, it continues seeking access to other areas. Worms often steal or vandalize computer data. Many viruses are more accurately termed worms, and use e-mail or database systems to propagate themselves to their victims.
|
