S-W
S
Search engine
A search engine is a tool that enables you to search for specific information from a database or network. Google and Yahoo! are online search engines.
Security certificate
A site certificate proves the site you’re visiting is genuine. The site certificate shows that a secure connection has been made and that all communication through that site is secure. Check the site certificate to make sure you aren’t on a fraudulent website.
Scammer
Another word for a fraudster.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
SSL is a form of encryption developed for sending information securely over the Internet. It prevents others from seeing the data being sent. Genuine websites often use SSL certificates to verify their authenticity.
Secure webpages
Secure webpages encrypt data when transmitting information. You can check whether or not a page is safe by looking at the URL (web page address). For a secure connection the address displayed should begin with "https" - note the "s" at the end. There may also be a "lock" icon displayed somewhere in the window of the browser.
Shoulder surfing
Shoulder surfing is a technique used by fraudsters to steal your PIN or other information by peering over your shoulder. Always be careful when accessing personal or sensitive information in public places, and shield your PIN whenever you enter it.
Social engineering
Social engineers use techniques to manipulate people into doing and saying certain things, including divulging valuable information. Phishing is a form of social engineering.
Social media
Social media consists of interactive dialogue between organisations, communities, and individuals using online technology.
Social network
Social networks allow people to connect with each other online and share photos and information. Social networking sites include Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
SMS
Short Message Service: a system that enables mobile users to send and receive text messages.
Spam
Spam is unsolicited and unwanted email used to advertise products and services. Some spam will contain malicious links or attachments.
Spam filters
A spam filter is a program used to detect unsolicited and unwanted email and prevent those messages from getting to a user's inbox.
Spammer
A person who sends spam email.
Spoof websites
Fake websites are created by criminals and designed to appear authentic. Phishing scams will often contain links to spoof websites in the hope the victim will enter their personal information. Once entered, the fraudster can use the information to access the person’s account.
If you receive a phishing email, stay calm. There is no risk in receiving it. Just delete it. You can report it by forwarding it to emailscams@lloydsbank.co.uk.
Spyware
Spyware is a type of program designed to spy on your online activity.
Surf
To browse the Internet.
System scan
A system scan will test your device's exposure to security threats.
T
Tablet
Tablets are mobile devices, usually with a touchscreen or stylus-enabled interface.
Trojan
Trojans are a form of malware. They appear to be innocent and may come in the form of free software or an email attachment, but can actually run in the background and send your information to a fraudster.
U
Updates
Software security updates are available to download from the Internet. They are designed to fix vulnerabilities and most programmes will alert you when updates are available. You can change your settings to automatically download and install updates.
URL
Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or web address is a string of text used by web browsers to identify resources, such as plain web pages, text documents and graphics, on the Internet.
V
Virus
A virus is a malicious program that can copy itself and transmit itself between devices via removable storage devices e.g. USB sticks. Viruses can damage and destroy the infected systems and data stored on them. It’s important to use anti-virus software and keep it up to date.
W
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity and allows devices to connect to the Internet using a wireless signal.
Worm
A worm is a self-replicating piece of malware that uses a network to send copies of itself to other devices.
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