Tekk-it Glossary
The words IT people use, translated for New York small business owners. Each entry says what it is, why it matters to your business, and where to learn more.
No terms match that search.
Try a shorter word, pick another topic, or ask us at info@tekk-it.com. We’ll add it.
A simple rule for keeping data safe: keep 3 copies of your important files, on 2 different kinds of storage, with 1 copy kept away from the office.
Why it matters: If a fire, a theft or a ransomware attack takes out one copy, you still have another to restore from.
Also called Wi-Fi access point or AP
A device that broadcasts your office Wi-Fi. Larger offices use several access points so the signal reaches every desk.
Why it matters: Slow or patchy Wi-Fi usually comes from too few access points, or ones in the wrong spots, not from your internet plan.
Software on each computer that scans for known harmful programs and blocks or removes them.
Why it matters: Every computer needs it, but it only catches threats it already knows about. That is why many businesses add EDR.
A separate copy of your files, email or whole computer that you can restore if the original is lost, deleted or damaged.
Why it matters: A backup only counts if it is current, kept apart from the original, and has been tested.
Also called pay-as-you-go IT
Calling someone only when something breaks, and paying for each repair.
Why it matters: It looks cheaper until problems pile up, because nobody is watching for warning signs between calls.
Also called BEC
A scam where criminals take over or imitate a real email account, often a boss or a vendor, to trick someone into sending money or sensitive files.
Why it matters: These emails often have no link or attachment, so filters miss them. A phone call to a number you already have is the best defense.
Software, storage or computing you use over the internet instead of on a computer in your office. Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are common examples.
Why it matters: The provider keeps the service running, but protecting your accounts and data is still your job.
An insurance policy that helps pay the costs of a cyberattack or data breach, such as recovery work, legal help and notifying customers.
Why it matters: Insurers ask detailed security questions before they quote, and a wrong answer on the application can put a claim at risk.
Also called SPF, DKIM and DMARC
Settings on your domain that tell other email systems which servers are allowed to send email as you.
Why it matters: They make it harder for scammers to send fake email from your address, and they help your real email stay out of spam folders.
Scrambling data so that only someone with the right key or password can read it.
Why it matters: A lost laptop with encryption turned on is far less likely to expose client files, and many rules for tax, legal and health records expect it.
Also called end of life
The date a software maker stops releasing fixes, including security fixes, for a product. Windows 10 reached end of support in October 2025.
Why it matters: Unsupported software keeps working, but every new security hole in it stays open for good.
Also called EDR
Security software that watches each computer for signs of an attack and can cut that computer off from the network to stop it spreading.
Why it matters: It catches new threats that antivirus misses, and cyber insurance applications often ask whether you have it.
A service like OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox that keeps the same files up to date across your devices.
Why it matters: Sync is not a backup. If a file is deleted or scrambled by ransomware, sync can copy that damage everywhere.
A device or program between your office network and the internet that decides what traffic is allowed in and out.
Why it matters: The basic box from your internet provider is rarely set up for a business. A managed firewall is kept updated and watched.
A separate Wi-Fi network for visitors and personal devices that cannot reach your business computers, printers or files.
Why it matters: It keeps a visitor’s infected phone, or the smart TV in the waiting room, away from your client data.
The people you contact when something isn’t working, by phone, email or a support portal.
Why it matters: A good help desk knows your setup, keeps notes on every request, and fixes the cause instead of the same symptom every week.
Also called MSP (managed service provider)
An outside team that looks after your technology for a monthly fee, including support, security, updates, backups and planning.
Why it matters: You get the coverage of an IT department without hiring one, and problems are caught before they stop work.
Also called MFA or two-step sign-in
A sign-in that needs two things: your password plus a second proof, such as a code on your phone or a security key.
Why it matters: It blocks most attacks that rely on a stolen password alone. Turn it on for email, banking and payroll first.
An app that creates, stores and fills in strong, unique passwords for every account, protected by one master password and two-step sign-in.
Why it matters: It ends password reuse and sticky notes, and makes it easy to share logins safely when someone joins or leaves.
Also called security update
A fix a software maker releases to close a security hole or correct a bug.
Why it matters: Many attacks use holes that already have a fix available. Installing updates on a schedule closes them first.
A fake email, text or message designed to trick you into clicking a link, opening a file or typing in a password.
Why it matters: It is one of the most common ways attacks start. Training, two-step sign-in and an office where people report clicks all lower the risk.
Also called remote monitoring
Software that continuously checks your computers and network for warning signs, like a failing drive or a missed update, and alerts your IT team.
Why it matters: Problems get fixed before they turn into downtime, often before anyone in the office notices.
Harmful software that locks or scrambles your files and demands payment to unlock them.
Why it matters: Tested backups kept apart from your network are what let a business recover without paying.
Also called text message phishing
Phishing sent by text message, like a fake delivery notice or a message pretending to be your boss.
Why it matters: Phones are easy to trust and hard to inspect. Never fix an account or delivery problem from a link in a text.
Bringing a file, mailbox or whole computer back from backup on purpose, to prove the backup works.
Why it matters: It is the only way to know your backups will be there on the day you need them.
Also called virtual private network
An encrypted connection between a device and a network over the internet, often used to reach office systems from home.
Why it matters: It keeps others from snooping on public Wi-Fi. Many offices now use cloud apps with two-step sign-in instead.
Also called WISP
A document describing how a business protects customer information: who is in charge, the risks, the safeguards, and what happens if something goes wrong.
Why it matters: Federal law requires one for tax preparers and accounting firms, and insurers and clients increasingly ask for it.
Send it to info@tekk-it.com and we’ll explain it here. Want help with the thing behind the word? Start with a free consultation.