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.
Core IT and Cybersecurity Terms
Cybersecurity – Measures to protect networks, systems, and data from cyber threats.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – A security process requiring multiple forms of verification.
Vulnerability Management – Identifying, evaluating, and mitigating security weaknesses.
Data Encryption – Transforming data into a secure format to prevent unauthorized access
Penetration Testing – Simulating cyberattacks to identify system vulnerabilities.
Zero Trust Security – A security model that trusts no entity by default, even within the network.
Endpoint Protection – Security for devices like laptops, desktops, and mobile devices.
Phishing – A type of cyberattack where attackers trick users into revealing sensitive information.
Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) –Detects and alerts admins to malicious activity or policy violations on a network or system.
Firewall – Network security device or software that monitors and controls network traffic.
Ransomware – Malware that encrypts data and demands a ransom for its release.
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.
Service Level Agreement (SLA) – A contract defining the level of service expected from an MSP.
IT Asset Management (ITAM) – Tracking and managing an organization’s IT assets.
Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) – Tools to monitor and manage client IT systems remotely.
Managed Service Provider (MSP) – A company that manages IT services for clients.
IT Asset Management (ITAM) – Tracking and hardware, software, and licenses—to optimize value and efficiency.
Proactive IT Support – Monitoring and resolving IT issues before they cause disruptions.
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.
PCI DSS Compliance – Standards ensuring secure handling of credit card data.
HIPAA Compliance – Regulations protecting patient health information.
SOC 2 Compliance – Standards for managing customer data based on trust principles.
HITRUST – Framework providing a comprehensive approach to managing healthcare data security.
ISO 27001 Certification – An international standard for information security management systems (ISMS) that helps organizations secure data and comply with legal requirements.
NYDFS – Cybersecurity regulations set by the New York Department of Financial Services.
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.
Wi-Fi 7 – The latest generation of wireless technology, offering higher speeds and capacity.
LAN (Local Area Network) – A network connecting devices in a localized area.
Latency – The time it takes for data to travel from its source to its destination, often measured in milliseconds.
SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN) – A virtualized approach to managing wide-area networks.
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.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) – Secure access to a private network over the internet.
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.
Failover – HA (High Availability) – Backup where a secondary system takes over if the primary system fails.
Business Continuity Plan (BCP) – Strategies to maintain operations during disruptions.
High Availability (HA) – Systems designed for continuous operation with minimal downtime.
Disaster Recovery (DR) – Restoring IT systems and data after an outage or disaster.
Incident Response Plan – Structured guide for addressing and recovering from technical incidents.
Failover – Backup where system is automatically taken over by a secondary system in case of failure.
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.
Scalability – The ability of a system to handle increasing workloads efficiently.
IT Outsourcing – Delegating IT operations to an external provider.
Network Topology – The arrangement and structure of a network, describing how devices are connected and interact within a system.
IT Roadmap – A strategic plan outlining future IT initiatives.
Virtualization – The creation of virtual versions of hardware, servers, or networks, enabling multiple systems to run on a single physical resource.
Patch Management – Updating software to fix vulnerabilities and improve functionality.
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 Health Records (EHR) – Patient data transmitted in a digital format for secure access and medical record-keeping.
Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) – Connected medical devices transmitting data over the internet.
Electronic Medical Records (EMR) – A digital version of a patient’s chart, used with EHR.
Health Level Seven (HL7) –Globally recognized standards that facilitate the secure exchange of healthcare information between systems..
Protected Health Information (PHI) – Health information linked to an individual, protected under HIPAA.
FHIR – A standard for exchanging healthcare information electronically.
Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) – A standard for exchanging healthcare information electronically.
Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) – A standard for exchanging healthcare information electronically.
Health Information Exchange (HIE) – System allowing secure exchange of health information.
Health Information Exchange (HIE) – A system that allows secure exchange of health information across organizations.
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.
Customer Self-Service Portals – Online platforms for policyholders to access accounts and file claims.
Big Data Analytics – Analyzing large datasets to improve decision-making and risk evaluation.
Fraud Detection Systems – Advanced tools using AI and analytics to identify fraudulent activities.
Claims Management Software – Tools automating claims processing and tracking.
Policy Management Software – IT solutions for creating and managing insurance policies.
Cloud Solutions for Insurance – Cloud platforms enabling scalability and remote access.
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.