Having a dedicated IT services provider, like LCS IT Services, can help your organization manage and secure your technology regardless of internal skill levels. And even if your role doesn’t require highly technical knowledge or a basic understanding of today’s most common concepts, it doesn’t hurt to brush up on your foundational understanding. To help with that, we’ve put together a quick glossary of the top terms related to IT Services and how these concepts may affect your work life.
Antivirus
An antivirus is a program that scans, detects, and removes malicious software—commonly known as viruses—from a computer. Just like their biological counterparts, computer viruses infect a machine by attaching themselves to program files, then replicating to infect, damage, or destroy more files or other machines on a device’s network.
Modern antivirus tools continuously monitor a machine for abnormalities and suspicious activity, comparing its findings against a database of known threats. Antivirus protection is essential for all internet users, especially in the corporate world. According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, over $16 billion was lost due to cybercrime, with much of that amount resulting from computer virus infections. Even just one infected PC on a company’s network could result in catastrophic financial damage.
Today, AI is widely used across IT services—from automation and software development to cybersecurity monitoring and data analysis. Check out our overview of AI in the Workplace to learn more about this emerging technology.
Backup and Disaster Recovery
Often used together, backup and disaster recovery are two related but distinct IT concepts. Backup is the process of creating copies of important data, such as files, applications, or system configurations. Disaster recovery involves a specific strategy to restore lost data, systems, or operations in the event of data loss.
Data loss can occur due to power failures, natural disasters, or cyberattacks. Having a robust backup and disaster recovery protocol for your enterprise is key to minimizing system downtime that could cost your organization thousands.
Cybersecurity encompasses all actions, procedures, and software used to protect devices, networks, and data from criminal activity or unauthorized access. With more than 2,000 cyberattacks occurring every day, investing in cybersecurity measures and staying updated on how to stay safe online is crucial to prevent both data and financial losses.
Encryption
Encryption is a process, usually done by a software program, by which plain text is transformed into unreadable, random data. This prevents unauthorized users or hackers from accessing sensitive information such as credit card or social security numbers, classified business data, or other personally identifiable information.
Many email systems and cloud platforms automatically encrypt data to safeguard it during storage and transmission, ensuring that only the intended recipient can decipher it.
Firewall
A firewall is a tool used in network security that separates an internal network of trusted devices from potentially malicious external devices or networks, such as the internet. Imagine a tall, security fence around your digital ecosystem, working to keep intruders out and your trusted devices safe from cyberattacks. A firewall can be a physical hardware device or a software solution, but robust firewalls are an imperative part of any organization’s comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
Malware
Malware, short for “malicious software,” is an umbrella term for programs or code designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to systems. Including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other harmful code, malware is everywhere. It’s estimated that 560,000 new instances of malware are detected per day, and over one billion malware programs are currently in existence.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security measure that confirms a user’s identity by using two or more methods of verification. Passwords alone can be weak or vulnerable to hacking attempts, so in addition, MFA may use biometric data, authentication apps, or one-time codes sent via text message or email.
MFA is becoming increasingly common to secure both corporate and personal account data as cybercriminals become more advanced. You likely have at least one account that uses MFA to log in, especially at work—more than 55% of companies worldwide use MFA to protect accounts.
Phishing
Phishing is a type of cybercrime that uses social engineering tactics to trick individuals into sharing sensitive information. By using emails or text messages that appear to come from legitimate, trusted sources, criminals encourage you to click a malicious link or reply with private information, such as passwords, credit card or bank account information, or social security numbers. Recognizing the warning signs of phishing—such as urgent language, unexpected requests, or suspicious links—can help prevent unauthorized access and data loss.
SaaS stands for Software as a Service, referring to a delivery and licensing model by which software programs are accessed via the internet, rather than installed onto a local device. SaaS gives access to high-quality software without the need for local installation or maintenance, and many applications have moved to this delivery model over the past few decades. Today, many businesses rely on dozens—sometimes hundreds—of SaaS applications to operate efficiently.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) utilizes encryption software to mask a user’s unique IP address, creating a private internet connection from public Wi-Fi. Used by companies to secure internet connections for remote workers and to protect their servers, VPN usage is another layer of security that enterprises use to keep sensitive company information protected from cyber threats.
Manage All Your IT Services with LCS
While having a basic understanding of IT services can improve your digital literacy, you shouldn’t have to become an IT expert just to feel secure online. Managed IT services providers like LCS IT Services can help you and your organization protect your data, thwart cyber threats, and educate your team on customized solutions that will enhance your productivity and security.
Connect with our IT team to learn more about our customized services and how we can help strengthen your organization’s security, productivity, and peace of mind.
