Glossary

Apps (Applications)

A type of computer program that you can download for your computer, tablet, or smartphone. You should only download apps from trusted places such as the Google Play Store if you have an Android phone or tablet, or the App Store if you have an Apple device.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a type of wireless technology used to connect one device to another – for example, connecting your phone to a speaker to play music.

Cat Fishing

When a person takes information and images, typically from other people, and uses them to create a new identity for themselves, usually to trick people and get money out of them.

Cookies

A cookie is a small piece of data that's stored on your computer, smartphone or tablet when you visit a website. Most websites pop up with a message asking you to 'accept cookies'. Cookies allow the website to track information about your activity on the website, such as how many times you've visited and how long you spent on the website. You don't have to accept cookies, but it might mean that you can't access some websites.

Cyberbullying

This describes lots of different kinds of online abuse including but not limited to harassment, doxing, reputation attacks and revenge porn.

Cyber stalking

This is the act of repeatedly sending messages that include threats of harm, harassment, intimidating messages, or engaging in other online activities that make a person afraid for his or her safety. The actions may be illegal too depending on what they are doing. Similar to harassment, cyberstalking involves the perpetrator making persistent efforts to gain contact with the victim, however this differs from harassment – more commonly than not, people will cyberstalk another person due to deep feelings towards that person, whether they are positive or negative. Someone who is cyberstalking is more likely to escalate their stalking into the offline world.

Doxing

When an individual or group of people distribute another person’s personal information such as their home address, cell phone number or place of work onto social media or public forums without that person’s permission to do so.

Flaming

This is when someone is purposely using extreme and offensive language and getting into online arguments and fights. They do this to cause reactions and enjoy the fact it causes someone to get distressed.

Griefing

Online gaming term - deliberately spoiling other players' enjoyment of a game by playing in a way that is intentionally disruptive and aggravating.

Hacking

Using a computer to access information stored on another computer system without permission, or to spread a computer virus.

In-app purchases

Extra content or subscriptions that you buy inside an app.

Malware

Malware is short for 'malicious software'. A general term describing software that can cause harm to your computer through spreading computer viruses or accessing your personal information.

PII – Personally Identifiable Information

Including names, middle names, date of birth – any information that can identify you.

Spam

A commercial email that you didn't request, also known as 'junk mail'.