Simple Cyber Terms for Families

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Welcome to our plain-language glossary. We explain common digital safety terms in a way that’s easy to understand, so you can stay informed and in control.

A feature that remembers things you type, like your name, address or passwords, and fills them in for you later. Handy, but if your device gets infected, that saved info can be stolen.

A method websites use to track users, even if cookies are blocked. It uses info like screen size and browser type to identify someone.

A browser mode that doesn’t save your search history or logins. It's sometimes used to hide what someone is looking at online.

A sneaky type of software that hides on your computer or phone. It collects saved usernames and passwords from your browser or apps, then sends them to criminals. It often gets in through unsafe downloads or scam emails.

This is an extra step to keep your accounts safe. It means you need more than just a password to log in, like a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan. Even if someone knows your password, they can’t get in without that second step.

A modern way to log in without using passwords. Instead, your device uses something like Face ID, a fingerprint, or a phone unlock code to prove it's you. It is safer and quicker than typing passwords, and hackers can’t steal them the same way.

A tool that remembers all your passwords so you don’t have to. It can create strong, unique passwords for every website and store them safely. You only need to remember one main password to open the manager.

Tricks used by scammers to steal your personal information. They may send fake emails or messages that look real, asking you to click a link or type in your login details. Always double-check before clicking or sharing info.

Tricks used by scammers to steal your personal information. They may send fake emails or messages that look real, asking you to click a link or type in your login details. Always double-check before clicking or sharing info.

Another name for MFA. It just means two things are needed to log in, usually your password plus something only you have, like your phone.

Hides your real location and encrypts your internet traffic. Often used for privacy, but also by kids to get around school or parental controls.

All ways of saying something is very good — often used to recommend viral content, which may include unsafe or inappropriate trends.

A secondary secret account where teens post private or riskier content away from family or public view.

May sound alarming. Sometimes used as dark humour, but can also indicate genuine distress.

Often used to refer to someone who can “hook you up” — sometimes used for drugs, vape products, or pirated content.

Used to alert others when a parent might be reading messages.

Refers to secret hookups or interactions (can sometimes imply risky meet-ups).

While innocent-sounding, may be used to deflect attention from more serious chats.

Common in grooming attempts or setups for meetups.