Managed IT Glossary

Our comprehensive Managed IT glossary is designed to simplify complex IT concepts and industry jargon, helping you understand the technology and compliance standards that drive your business forward.

Managed IT Glossary

Core IT and Cybersecurity Terms

Cybersecurity

Measures to protect networks, systems, and data from cyber threats.

Data Encryption

Transforming data into a secure format to prevent unauthorized access

Endpoint Protection

Security for devices like laptops, desktops, and mobile devices.

Firewall

Network security device or software that monitors and controls network traffic.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

A security process requiring multiple forms of verification.

Penetration Testing

Simulating cyberattacks to identify system vulnerabilities.

Phishing

A type of cyberattack where attackers trick users into revealing sensitive information.

Ransomware

Malware that encrypts data and demands a ransom for its release.

Vulnerability Management

Identifying, evaluating, and mitigating security weaknesses.

Zero Trust Security

A security model that trusts no entity by default, even within the network.

Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)

Detects and alerts admins to malicious activity or policy violations on a network or system.

Patch Management

Updating software, systems, and applications to fix vulnerabilities and enhance security.

Managed IT Services Terms

Help Desk Support – Assistance with technical issues for end-users.
IT Asset Management (ITAM) – Tracking and managing an organization’s IT assets.
Managed Service Provider (MSP) – A company that manages IT services for clients.
Proactive IT Support – Monitoring and resolving IT issues before they cause disruptions.
Service Level Agreement (SLA) – A contract defining the level of service expected from an MSP.
Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) – Tools to monitor and manage client IT systems remotely.
IT Asset Management (ITAM) – Tracking and hardware, software, and licenses—to optimize value and efficiency.
Backup and Disaster Recovery (BDR) – A managed IT solution that ensures regular data backups and a recovery plan for data loss or system failures.

Cloud Computing and Virtualization Terms

Cloud Computing – Delivery of computing resources over the internet.
Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) – Cloud-based recovery of data and systems.
Software as a Service (SaaS) – Software delivered and accessed over the internet.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) – Hosting desktop environments on a centralized server.

Compliance and Industry Regulations Terms

GDPR Compliance – European Union regulations for data protection and privacy.
HIPAA Compliance – Regulations protecting patient health information.
HITRUST – Framework providing a comprehensive approach to managing healthcare data security.
NYDFS – Cybersecurity regulations set by the New York Department of Financial Services.
PCI DSS Compliance – Standards ensuring secure handling of credit card data.
SOC 2 Compliance – Standards for managing customer data based on trust principles.
ISO 27001 Certification – An international standard for information security management systems (ISMS) that helps organizations secure data and comply with legal requirements.
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) – A framework for ensuring cybersecurity across the defense industrial base, required for organizations handling federal contracts in the United States.

Networking and Connectivity Terms

Bandwidth – The maximum data transfer rate of a network or internet connection.
LAN (Local Area Network) – A network connecting devices in a localized area.
SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN) – A virtualized approach to managing wide-area networks.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) – Secure access to a private network over the internet.
Wi-Fi 7 – The latest generation of wireless technology, offering higher speeds and capacity.
Latency – The time it takes for data to travel from its source to its destination, often measured in milliseconds.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) – A secure connection that encrypts data between a user’s device and a network, protecting online privacy and enabling remote access.
Network Access Point (also known as a WAP or AP): A device designed to ensure reliable Wi-Fi coverage throughout your office space.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

Backup Solutions – Systems for creating copies of data to prevent loss.
Business Continuity Plan (BCP) – Strategies to maintain operations during disruptions.
Disaster Recovery (DR) – Restoring IT systems and data after an outage or disaster.
Failover – Backup where system is automatically taken over by a secondary system in case of failure.
Failover – HA (High Availability) – Backup where a secondary system takes over if the primary system fails.
High Availability (HA) – Systems designed for continuous operation with minimal downtime.
Incident Response Plan – Structured guide for addressing and recovering from technical incidents.
Recovery Time Objective (RTO) – The maximum acceptable length of time that a system, application, or data can be offline after a disruption before it severely impacts business operations.

Emerging Technologies

5G Technology

The next generation of mobile network connectivity.

AI-driven tools

Tools that use AI to automate tasks, analyze data, and enhance security.

IoT (Internet of Things)

Networked devices that exchange data.

Machine Learning (ML)

Systems that learn and improve from data.

General IT Terms

IT Infrastructure – The hardware, software, and network resources necessary for IT operations.
IT Outsourcing – Delegating IT operations to an external provider.
IT Roadmap – A strategic plan outlining future IT initiatives.
Patch Management – Updating software to fix vulnerabilities and improve functionality.
Scalability – The ability of a system to handle increasing workloads efficiently.
Network Topology – The arrangement and structure of a network, describing how devices are connected and interact within a system.
Virtualization – The creation of virtual versions of hardware, servers, or networks, enabling multiple systems to run on a single physical resource.
Virtualization – The process of creating virtual versions of computing resources, such as servers, storage, or networks, to improve efficiency, scalability, and resource management.

Sector-Specific IT Terms

Healthcare

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Patient health information in a digital format.

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

A digital version of a patient’s chart, used with EHR.

FHIR

A standard for exchanging healthcare information electronically.

Health Information Exchange (HIE)

System allowing secure exchange of health information.

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Patient data transmitted in a digital format for secure access and medical record-keeping.

Health Level Seven (HL7)

Globally recognized standards that facilitate the secure exchange of healthcare information between systems.

Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR)

A standard for exchanging healthcare information electronically.

Health Information Exchange (HIE)

A system that allows secure exchange of health information across organizations.v

Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)

Connected medical devices transmitting data over the internet.

Protected Health Information (PHI)

Health information linked to an individual, protected under HIPAA.

Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR)

A standard for exchanging healthcare information electronically.

Recovery Point Objective (RPO)

The maximum allowable data loss, measured in time, determining how far back data must be restored after a disruption.

Insurance

API Integration – Connecting insurance systems like CRMs and claims tools for data sharing.
Big Data Analytics – Analyzing large datasets to improve decision-making and risk evaluation.
Claims Management Software – Tools automating claims processing and tracking.
Cloud Solutions for Insurance – Cloud platforms enabling scalability and remote access.
Customer Self-Service Portals – Online platforms for policyholders to access accounts and file claims.
Fraud Detection Systems – Advanced tools using AI and analytics to identify fraudulent activities.
Policy Management Software – IT solutions for creating and managing insurance policies.
Risk Management Tools – Systems to assess and mitigate risks.

Finance

Accounts Payable Automation – Streamlines process of managing and paying invoices andreducing manual effort.
Business Intelligence (BI) Tools for Finance – Solutions providing analytics for data-driven decisions.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) – Integrated software systems that manage core business processes.
FinTech – Modern financial technology services like apps for payments, loans, and investments.

Our comprehensive Managed IT glossary is designed to simplify complex IT concepts and industry jargon, helping you understand the technology and compliance standards that drive your business forward.