IT and cybersecurity terms, decoded for local businesses

A documented strategy for keeping critical operations running during outages or disasters. Business continuity planning blends redundancy with proactive IT support to preserve operational continuity and service availability.

A shared responsibility model where internal IT retains control while an MSP provides tools, monitoring, and escalation. Co-managed IT combines in-house expertise with support services and managed network services to steady day-to-day reliability.

Any period when systems are unavailable, causing lost productivity or revenue. Managed IT services use proactive IT support and security monitoring and response to limit downtime and shorten recovery.

Centralized control of laptops, desktops, and mobile devices. Endpoint management supports policy enforcement and operational continuity as part of managed IT services and cybersecurity services.

Front-line technical support for employees, covering ticket intake, troubleshooting, and remote assistance. Helpdesk support keeps day-to-day issues contained inside managed IT services so service availability and staff productivity stay on track.

Tracking hardware, software licenses, and lifecycle status across the organization. Asset management feeds budgeting and continuity planning and is easier to maintain inside support services with clear refresh cycles.

Maintaining diagrams, credentials, and procedures for systems. Documentation keeps support services efficient and gives cybersecurity services the detail needed for audits and continuity planning.

A long-term plan outlining upgrades, migrations, and security initiatives. IT roadmaps guide investments across managed network services, cybersecurity services, and support services so changes happen without unplanned outages.

Aligning systems, devices, and configurations across the business. Standardization improves reliability and speeds helpdesk support within managed IT services.

A subscription model where an MSP delivers IT support, monitoring, patching, and strategic guidance for a predictable monthly fee. Managed IT services pair proactive IT support with managed network services to keep service availability steady for growing teams.

Continuous observation of network devices and connections to detect outages or performance issues. Network monitoring and management within managed network services keep system reliability high and provide early warning before customers feel downtime.

Provisioning and removing user access during hiring and termination. Proper onboarding relies on helpdesk support and cybersecurity services to preserve security and operational continuity.

The process of testing and deploying operating system and application updates. Patch management is driven through RMM tools inside managed security services and proactive IT support to minimize service interruptions.

An approach focused on preventing issues before users are impacted. Proactive IT support uses RMM, monitoring, and managed security services to protect operational continuity.

Break-fix support that responds after problems occur. Reactive models often lead to longer outages compared to managed IT services with proactive IT support.

Software agents that allow MSPs to monitor systems, deploy patches, and respond to issues proactively. RMM platforms underpin proactive IT support and managed network services by catching service interruptions before users feel them.

A formal agreement defining response times, service scope, and availability targets. SLAs set expectations for helpdesk support and managed IT services so leaders know how disruptions will be handled.

The percentage of time systems remain available and operational. Uptime is a core availability metric for managed IT services and managed network services that keep operations moving.

Strategic IT leadership delivered as a service. vCIOs align managed IT services, cybersecurity services, and budgets with business goals while keeping service availability in view.

Policies that ensure users receive only the access they need. Access control is central to Zero Trust security and is maintained through managed security services to limit blast radius during incidents.

Formal assessments against standards like HIPAA, CJIS, or PCI. Compliance audits often require documentation from cybersecurity services and incident response support to prove readiness.

Monitoring criminal marketplaces for stolen credentials. Dark web monitoring enables early intervention through cybersecurity services and MFA enforcement after exposure.

Tools that prevent sensitive data from leaving approved systems. DLP strengthens incident response efforts and is most effective when tuned within cybersecurity services.

Transforming data into unreadable ciphertext to protect sensitive information. Encryption supports Zero Trust security, VPNs, and secure cloud backups when configured through cybersecurity services.

Advanced endpoint security that monitors device behavior to detect threats like ransomware and malware. EDR is a foundational control in Zero Trust security and is usually operated through managed security services for rapid containment.

A network security device or service that filters traffic based on policy. Firewalls complement Zero Trust security by limiting attack paths and are often managed through cybersecurity services for consistent updates.

Systems that inspect network traffic for malicious behavior. IDS and IPS enhance Zero Trust security and feed alerts into security monitoring and response managed by cybersecurity services.

A documented playbook that defines roles, timelines, and actions during security incidents. Incident response plans work hand-in-hand with cybersecurity services and incident response support to keep downtime minimal.

Any malicious software, including ransomware, spyware, and trojans. EDR platforms inside managed security services detect malware behavior and trigger security monitoring and response actions.

Authentication that requires multiple verification factors, such as a password and mobile prompt. MFA is a core pillar of Zero Trust security and is typically rolled out through managed security services to prevent phishing-driven ransomware attacks.

Ethical hacking exercises that simulate real attacks to identify weaknesses. Penetration testing helps validate Zero Trust security and informs cybersecurity services and incident response support.

Broad email or messaging attacks designed to steal credentials or deploy malware. MFA and security awareness training backed by cybersecurity services are the most effective defenses against phishing.

Malware that encrypts systems and demands payment for recovery, often combined with data theft. Managed security services layer MFA, EDR, and incident response support to reduce ransomware impact and preserve operational continuity.

Employee education focused on phishing detection, MFA usage, and safe behavior. Training reduces ransomware risk and is often coordinated with cybersecurity services to reinforce policy.

Centralized logging and alert correlation that supports incident response plans. SIEM tools feed into security monitoring and response under managed security services.

Highly targeted phishing attacks using personal or organizational details. MFA and Zero Trust security, supported by managed security services, significantly limit damage from successful spear phishing attempts.

Automated scans that identify known software weaknesses. Vulnerability scanning supports ransomware prevention when paired with patching and cybersecurity services that prioritize fixes.

Threat detection that correlates signals across endpoints, identity, email, and cloud systems. XDR expands on EDR to improve response speed and is typically run within cybersecurity services for cross-environment visibility.

A security model that assumes no user or device is trusted by default. Zero Trust security relies on MFA, strict access control, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and continuous verification delivered through cybersecurity services to reduce ransomware risk.

A device that provides Wi-Fi access and bridges wireless users into the LAN. Access points integrate with switches and VLANs for segmentation and are usually deployed under connectivity management.

The volume of data that can traverse a network connection per second. Bandwidth constraints directly affect WAN performance and VPN throughput, so managed network services monitor and adjust capacity to prevent service degradation.

Automatic switching to backup connections or systems when a primary network path fails. Failover is critical for WAN reliability, VPN availability, and business continuity and is often built into connectivity management within managed network services.

The provider delivering internet connectivity to your WAN. Multiple ISPs are often used within managed network services to support failover and redundancy.

A private network that connects devices within a single location like an office or plant. LANs rely on switches, VLANs, and network segmentation, and are often maintained through managed network services to keep performance stable.

The time it takes for data to travel across a LAN or WAN. High latency impacts VPN performance, voice traffic, and cloud applications; network monitoring and management help reduce delays for remote teams.

Distributing traffic across multiple servers or links to maintain performance and availability. Load balancing often works alongside failover systems inside managed network services to preserve service availability.

Continuous visibility into LAN and WAN performance to detect outages, latency spikes, or failover events before users are impacted. Network monitoring and management inside managed network services keep business continuity targets realistic.

Dividing a LAN into smaller zones using VLANs and access controls to reduce attack surface and improve performance. Network segmentation limits blast radius during outages or security incidents and is delivered through managed network services and cybersecurity services.

A device that connects endpoints within a LAN and forwards traffic intelligently. Switches enforce VLANs, QoS, and segmentation policies and are maintained through managed network services.

The physical and logical layout of a LAN or WAN. Proper topology design improves segmentation, failover, and performance and is planned through network services for resilience.

Technology that delivers power and data over a single Ethernet cable, commonly used for access points, phones, and cameras on a LAN. PoE design is typically bundled with structured cabling and managed network services for reliable coverage.

Rules that prioritize critical traffic like voice or video when bandwidth is limited. QoS protects performance across WAN and LAN environments and is typically configured through managed network services.

Using multiple ISPs to maintain connectivity if one provider fails. Redundant connections are a core part of WAN failover planning and sit within connectivity management to prevent outages.

A device or virtual appliance that directs traffic between LANs, WANs, and the internet. Routers manage VPN tunnels and failover paths and are tuned within connectivity management to avoid outages.

A WAN architecture that dynamically routes traffic across multiple links for performance and failover. SD-WAN simplifies VPN management and improves service availability when governed by managed network services.

A logical subdivision of a LAN or WAN that organizes devices and controls routing. Subnets support segmentation and efficient traffic flow when designed as part of managed network services.

A logical LAN segment that separates traffic without additional cabling. VLANs enable network segmentation and are easier to govern inside managed network services for predictable performance.

An encrypted tunnel that allows remote users or offices to securely access LAN and WAN resources. VPNs are a core component of secure remote access and are typically run inside managed network services for consistent reliability.

A network that links multiple locations over leased lines, fiber, or SD-WAN. WANs commonly use VPNs and failover to maintain service availability between sites under managed network services.

Modern wireless standards that increase speed, capacity, and reliability on LANs with many connected devices. Deployments are optimized through managed network services to keep dense offices connected.

The dominant public cloud platforms offering compute, storage, networking, and security services. These platforms host virtual machines, cloud backups, and disaster recovery solutions that benefit from managed IT services for cost and performance control.

Storing protected copies of data in the cloud to enable fast recovery. Cloud backups are a core dependency for disaster recovery and ransomware protection and are typically managed through cloud backup services.

Monitoring and reducing cloud spend by rightsizing virtual machines and storage. Cost optimization is a key phase after cloud migration and is typically handled within managed IT services to keep budgets predictable.

Managing user identities and access in cloud environments. Cloud identity management supports Microsoft 365, Zero Trust security, and hybrid cloud deployments and is commonly overseen through Microsoft 365 management and cybersecurity services.

The process of moving applications, data, or workloads from on-premises systems into the public cloud, private cloud, or a hybrid cloud. Cloud migration is often paired with disaster recovery planning and cloud backup services to maintain service availability.

Tools that continuously assess cloud configurations for risk. CSPM supports secure cloud migration and hybrid cloud governance when combined with cybersecurity services.

Packaging applications and dependencies into lightweight containers for consistent deployment. Containerization often complements virtual machines in modern cloud architectures and benefits from managed IT services to handle governance and performance.

The ability to restore systems, applications, and data after an outage or cyber incident. Disaster recovery relies on cloud backups, defined RTO and RPO targets, and virtual machines, often coordinated through cybersecurity services and cloud backup services.

Designing systems to remain operational during component failures. High availability works alongside disaster recovery to minimize downtime and is reinforced by managed network services and cloud backup services.

An architecture that combines on-premises systems with public and private cloud services. Hybrid cloud designs support phased cloud migration, disaster recovery, and compliance requirements when guided by managed IT services and cloud productivity services.

Microsoft's cloud productivity platform including Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, and OneDrive. Microsoft 365 deployments rely on cloud identity, backups, and secure access delivered through Microsoft 365 management for a consistent user experience.

Cloud file storage and synchronization for users across devices. OneDrive integrates with Microsoft 365 and is often included in cloud backup services to prevent accidental data loss.

Dedicated cloud infrastructure reserved for a single organization. Private clouds support compliance-driven workloads and hybrid cloud designs, often managed alongside cybersecurity services for regulatory reporting.

Shared cloud infrastructure delivered on demand by providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Public cloud platforms commonly host virtual machines, backups, and migrated workloads that are governed through cloud productivity services.

Metrics that define how quickly systems must be restored (RTO) and how much data loss is acceptable (RPO). These targets guide disaster recovery architecture and should be validated through cybersecurity services and cloud backup services.

Protecting data stored in cloud applications like Microsoft 365 and SharePoint. SaaS backups close retention gaps left by native cloud providers and are delivered via cloud backup services.

A Microsoft 365 service for document management, intranets, and workflow automation. SharePoint data is commonly protected using cloud backup services and Microsoft 365 management to meet retention needs.

An isolated computing environment that runs on shared physical hardware. Virtual machines power public cloud, private cloud, and disaster recovery environments and are maintained within cloud productivity services for predictable performance.

A software-defined server running on shared hardware. Virtual servers typically operate as virtual machines within public or private cloud platforms and are managed through cloud productivity services for cost control.

Using software and integrations to eliminate manual work and improve accuracy. Automation initiatives are typically guided by IT consulting and supported by cloud productivity services to keep changes manageable.

Security and technology controls insurers require for coverage. These requirements frequently overlap with IT compliance and are implemented through cybersecurity services and incident response support.

Modernizing business operations through technology, automation, and cloud services. Digital transformation initiatives rely on IT consulting and budget planning and frequently adopt cloud productivity services to improve collaboration.

Forecasting technology spend to keep upgrades, licensing, and staffing predictable. Budget planning relies on data from IT consulting and technology audits and ties directly to managed IT services contracts.

Meeting regulatory or contractual technology requirements for your industry. IT compliance depends on audits, documentation, and ongoing IT support delivered through cybersecurity services and managed IT services.

Advisory services that align technology decisions with growth, risk, and budget goals. IT consulting commonly follows a technology audit or IT health check and guides investments in managed IT services or cybersecurity services.

A rapid assessment that scores your environment and prioritizes fixes. IT health checks often lead into technology audits and consulting engagements that recommend proactive IT support.

Day-to-day assistance that keeps employees productive and systems stable. IT support is often delivered through managed IT services and proactive IT support so issues are solved before they disrupt operations.

A delivery model where IT support, monitoring, and maintenance are provided for a predictable monthly fee. Managed services simplify budgeting and compliance while bundling proactive IT support and managed network services.

Identifying and reducing technology-related risks to operations and data. Risk management supports compliance, insurance requirements, and executive planning and often leverages cybersecurity services and managed network services.

A structured review of systems, risks, and costs to uncover gaps and quick wins. Technology audits inform IT consulting, compliance planning, and budget decisions and often surface needs for cybersecurity services or managed network services.

The stages of selecting, deploying, maintaining, and retiring technology assets. Lifecycle planning supports predictable IT budgets and compliance when paired with managed IT services and support services.

A long-term plan that aligns IT investments with business goals. Technology strategy is typically developed through IT consulting and audits so managed IT services and cybersecurity services map to growth priorities.

Managing vendors, contracts, and renewals to keep services aligned and cost-effective. Vendor management feeds directly into IT budget planning and ensures managed network services and cybersecurity services stay coordinated.

Security requirements for handling criminal justice information. CJIS compliance is mandatory for law enforcement and government IT systems and typically uses managed security services to satisfy audits.

Patient-identifying health data stored or transmitted electronically. ePHI must be safeguarded to maintain HIPAA compliance with cybersecurity services and cloud backup services.

Cloud environments designed to meet government security standards. GovCloud platforms support compliance-driven public sector IT and are usually governed through cybersecurity services.

Technology support for city, county, and public safety agencies with strict reliability and compliance needs. Government IT environments often require CJIS compliance plus managed security services to keep public-facing systems resilient.

Systems that enable secure data sharing between healthcare organizations. HIE platforms must align with HIPAA compliance standards and are often supported through cybersecurity services and managed network services for availability.

Protecting patient data across clinical systems and cloud platforms. Healthcare data security underpins HIPAA compliance and depends on cybersecurity services and cloud backup services.

Technology services designed for clinics and hospitals, focusing on service availability, data protection, and compliance. Healthcare IT support must align with HIPAA requirements and often pairs managed IT services with cybersecurity services to safeguard ePHI.

Meeting administrative, physical, and technical safeguards required to protect patient data. HIPAA compliance is a core responsibility of healthcare IT support and usually involves cybersecurity services and incident response support.

Connected sensors and devices that collect data from machinery. IIoT environments require strong OT security and segmentation supported by managed network services to keep operations reliable.

Using control systems and software to automate production processes. Industrial automation depends on secure SCADA and OT networks supported by managed network services and cybersecurity services.

Separating production networks from corporate IT to reduce attack surface and downtime. Segmentation is a core OT security control delivered through managed network services and cybersecurity services.

IT services tailored to production environments, keeping controllers, workstations, and networks stable. Manufacturing IT support often overlaps with OT security and industrial network segmentation and benefits from managed network services to protect uptime on the floor.

Protecting industrial control systems from cyber threats. OT security is critical for manufacturing IT support and SCADA environments and is typically delivered through cybersecurity services with security monitoring and response tuned to OT.

Technology systems supporting police, fire, and emergency services. Public safety IT environments require CJIS compliance, managed security services, and managed network services for reliable response.

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems used to monitor industrial processes. SCADA platforms are protected through OT security, segmentation, and managed network services to prevent outages.

All possible entry points attackers can exploit, including users, devices, applications, and third parties. Shadow IT and unmanaged access dramatically increase attack surface, so cybersecurity services and security monitoring and response are critical.

Backups that cannot be altered or deleted for a defined period. Backup immutability is a critical defense against ransomware and catastrophic data loss and is typically included in cloud backup services.

Fraud using compromised or spoofed email accounts to redirect payments. BEC thrives in environments with weak access controls, so cybersecurity services and Microsoft 365 management with MFA reduce exposure.

Reducing cloud waste through rightsizing and governance. Cloud optimization also uncovers SaaS sprawl and unmanaged attack surface and is often handled within cloud productivity services.

Gradual deviation from secure system configurations over time. Configuration drift increases risk scores and attack surface, and proactive IT support with security monitoring and response helps keep baselines intact.

Attacks that reuse stolen credentials to access multiple systems. Credential stuffing is especially dangerous when privileged access and MFA controls are weak, making cybersecurity services and incident response support essential.

Identity platforms like Active Directory or Entra ID that manage users and permissions. Directory services are a primary control point for privileged access and should be managed through cybersecurity services.

Blocking malicious domains at the DNS level. DNS filtering reduces attack surface and limits exposure to phishing and malware as part of managed security services.

Reducing endpoint risk by enforcing secure baselines. Endpoint hardening shrinks attack surface and supports higher risk scores when coordinated through managed security services.

The uncontrolled growth of user accounts and permissions across systems. Identity sprawl weakens privileged access controls and inflates attack surface, so cybersecurity services and Microsoft 365 management should enforce lifecycle management.

An attacker's ability to move between systems after initial access. Strong PAM and network hardening limit lateral movement when governed by managed security services.

Tools that enforce security policies on mobile devices. MDM reduces attack surface created by mobile shadow IT and is often run through managed security services.

Securing systems by disabling unused services and tightening configurations. Hardening reduces attack surface and improves overall risk scores when paired with managed security services and managed network services.

Measuring how many systems are current on required updates. Poor patch compliance raises risk scores and exposes attack surface, so proactive IT support and managed security services keep updates on schedule.

A penetration test simulates real attacks, while vulnerability scans are automated. Both identify attack surface weaknesses that influence risk scores and inform cybersecurity services.

Simulated phishing campaigns used for training and measurement. Phishing simulations help reduce credential compromise and risk scores when paired with security monitoring and response.

Tools and policies that secure administrator and high-risk accounts through vaulting and approvals. PAM reduces attack surface and limits damage from credential abuse when managed security services enforce least privilege.

A numeric indicator of security posture based on controls, threats, and exposure. Risk scores are influenced by attack surface size, patch compliance, and privileged access and improve with cybersecurity services that track remediation.

Uncontrolled growth of cloud applications that complicates security and billing. SaaS sprawl increases shadow IT and expands attack surface, making cloud productivity services and cybersecurity services valuable for governance.

Controlled access for remote users using VPN, MFA, and least privilege. Secure remote access limits attack surface and protects privileged accounts when managed network services and cybersecurity services work together.

A helpdesk focuses on break/fix issues, while a service desk manages change, automation, and risk. Service desks play a key role in reducing shadow IT through managed IT services and helpdesk support.

The use of unauthorized apps, devices, or cloud services without IT approval. Shadow IT expands the attack surface, complicates risk scoring, and is curtailed through cybersecurity services and managed IT services that centralize access.

A previously unknown software flaw exploited before patches exist. Zero-day attacks increase risk scores and demand rapid response led by cybersecurity services and managed security services.