Glossary
5G technology
5G is the 5th generation of mobile technology. It is likely
to bring higher rates of data transmission, reliability,
and connectivity.
Artificial intelligence
A computerised system capable of simulating human
decision making and learning, including performing
cognitive functions associated with the human mind
including learning and language.
Credential harvesting
Collecting legitimate users’ usernames and passwords to
gain access to target systems, for malicious purposes.
Critical infrastructure/critical national
infrastructure
Physical and digital assets, services, and supply chains,
the disruption (loss, compromise) of which would severely
impact the maintenance of national security, public safety,
fundamental rights, and well-being of all New Zealanders.
Cyber attack
Deliberate exploitation of information systems to
cause harm.
Cyber incident
An event, whether intentional or not, that causes adverse
consequences to an information system or its data.
Cyber security
Protecting people and their computers, networks,
programs and data from unauthorised access,
exploitation, or modification.
Cyber terrorism
The use of computer systems in committing a terrorist
act.
Cybercrime
Crimes that are committed through the use of computer
systems, and are directed at computer systems. Examples
include producing malicious software, denial of service
attacks, and phishing.
Cyber-enabled crime
Crimes that are assisted, facilitated or escalated in scale
by the use of technology. Examples are cyber-enabled
fraud and the online distribution of child exploitation
material.
New Zealand’s cyber security strategy 2019
Cyberspace
The internet and everything connected to it – the
global network of interdependent information systems,
telecommunications networks and information technology
infrastructures.
Distributed Denial of Service Attack (DDoS)
A cyber attack that stops users from accessing a service or
resource, by overloading that service with requests.
Encryption
The transformation of otherwise readable data into
a form that conceals its original meaning, to prevent
it from being known or used. Strong encryption is a
fundamental element of good cyber security, which is
increasingly critical to New Zealand’s national security and
economic prosperity.
Information system/computer system
A computer system for the collection, organization,
storage and communication of information.
Internet of Things
Computing devices connected to the internet and
embedded into everyday objects, enabling them to
send and receive data.
Malicious software/ malware
Software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer
system. Examples include computer viruses, worms,
Trojans, spyware, and adware.
Phishing
Using fraudulent emails to persuade people to reveal
confidential information, such as login or banking
information.
Quantum Computing
Whereas a classical computer works with ones and zeros,
quantum computers have the advantage of using ones,
zeros and “superpositions” of ones and zeros. This means
they can perform calculations at a far greater rate than
classical computers.
Ransomware
A type of malicious software that locks up the files on an
information system until a ransom is paid.
Software
The programs used by a computer, as well as other
information that it relies on to operate.
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