Triple DES
A block cipher, based on DES, that transforms each 64-bit plaintext block by applying the Data Encryption Algorithm three successive times, using either two or three different keys, for an effective key length of 112 or 168 bits.

Trojan Horse
A computer program that appears to have a useful function, but also has a hidden and potentially malicious function that evades security mechanisms, sometimes by exploiting legitimate authorizations of a system entity that invokes the program.



Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A restricted-use, logical computer network that is constructed from the system resources of a relatively public, physical network (such as the Internet).

Virus
A hidden, self-replicating section of computer software, usually malicious logic, that propagates by infecting - i.e., inserting a copy of itself into and becoming part of - another program. A virus cannot run by itself; it requires that its host program be run to make the virus active.

Vulcan Nerve Pinch
The keyboard combination that forces a soft-boot or jump to ROM monitor (on machines that support such a feature). On many micros this is Ctrl-Alt-Del; on Suns, L1-A; on some Macintoshes, it is "!" Also called the "three-finger salute."

Vulnerability
A flaw or weakness in a system's design, implementation, or operation and management that could be exploited to violate the system's security policy.



War Chalking
War chalking is marking areas, usually on sidewalks with chalk, that receive wireless signals that can be accessed.

War Dialer
A computer program that automatically dials a series of telephone numbers to find lines connected to computer systems, and catalogs those numbers so that a cracker can try to break into the systems.

War Dialing
War dialing is a simple means of trying to identify modems in a telephone exchange that may be susceptible to compromise in an attempt to circumvent perimeter security.

War Driving
War driving is the process of traveling around looking for wireless access point signals that can be used to get network access.

Weak Password
A password that does not provide an effective defense against unauthorized access to a resource. A weak password might be less than six characters long, contain all or part of a user's account name, or contain less than three of the four following categories of characters: uppercase letters, lowercase letters, base 10 digits, and symbols found on the keyboard, such as !, @, and #.

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
A security protocol for wireless local area networks defined in the standard IEEE 802.11b.

Worm
A computer program that can run independently, can propagate a complete working version of itself onto other hosts on a network, and may consume computer resources destructively.

Would-Be Cracker
This term denotes those who do not know how to hack systems but use malicious code written by others to do their damage.

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