IT terms in plain English

Backup: a separate copy of data that can be restored if the original is lost or damaged.

Cloud: computers and software you rent and reach over the internet, instead of owning in your office. (Read more.)

Co-managed IT: an outside IT provider that adds to your own IT team, taking on the work you choose. (Read more.)

DMARC, DKIM and SPF: settings that prove which email really comes from your domain. (Read more.)

DNS: the internet’s directory that points your domain to your website and email. (Read more.)

EDR (endpoint detection and response): protection that watches what happens on a computer and can stop an attack in progress. (Read more.)

Endpoint: any device people use: laptops, desktops, phones, tablets.

Firewall: the device that controls what traffic enters and leaves your network. (Read more.)

ITDR (identity threat detection and response): protection that watches accounts for signs of takeover. (Read more.)

MFA (multi-factor authentication): proving who you are with something besides a password, such as a phone app. (Read more.)

MSP (managed service provider): a company that runs IT for other businesses for an ongoing fee.

Patch: an update that fixes a flaw in software.

Phishing: a message designed to trick you into giving away a password, money or access. (Read more.)

Ransomware: malicious software that locks files and demands payment. (Read more.)

RPO and RTO: how much recent data you can afford to lose, and how long you can be down. (Read more.)

Tenant: your business’s private space in Microsoft 365. (Read more.)

VPN: an encrypted connection to the office network from elsewhere. (Read more.)