Term

Term	Explanation
`.bin`	Raw binary file or disk image.
`.cue`	Optical disc layout descriptor.
`.diz`	BBS file description ("Description In ZIP").
`.img`	Generic disk image file.
`.iso`	ISO-9660 optical disc image.
`.mdf`	Alcohol 120% disc image.
`.mds`	Metadata describing an MDF image.
`.nfo`	Scene release information file.
`.par`	PAR1 parity recovery archive.
`.par2`	PAR2 parity recovery archive.
`.sfv`	CRC32 checksum verification file.
`0day / zero-day`	Newly released software or exploit.
`31337`	"Elite" in leetspeak.
`ACK`	Acknowledgment packet.
`ACK/NAK`	Positive/negative acknowledgment pair.
`AFK`	Away From Keyboard.
`ANI`	Automatic Number Identification.
`ANSI`	ANSI terminal control standard.
`ANSI art`	Colored text artwork using ANSI escape codes.
`ARP poisoning`	Forging ARP replies to intercept traffic.
`ASCII art`	Pictures made from ASCII characters.
`BIOS`	Basic Input/Output System firmware.
`BRB`	Be Right Back.
`BTW`	By The Way.
`CALL`	Assembly instruction to invoke a subroutine.
`CO`	Central Office (telephone exchange).
`COCOT`	Customer-Owned Coin-Operated Telephone.
`COSMOS`	Bell System operations database.
`DNS poisoning`	Corrupting DNS responses or caches.
`DWIM`	"Do What I Mean."
`EOF`	End Of File marker.
`ESS`	Electronic Switching System.
`FAQ`	Frequently Asked Questions.
`FTP`	File Transfer Protocol.
`FXP`	Server-to-server FTP transfer.
`FYI`	For Your Information.
`FidoNet`	Worldwide BBS message network.
`IAT`	Import Address Table.
`ICE`	In-Circuit Emulator or Interactive Code Editor.
`IDA`	Interactive DisAssembler.
`IIRC`	If I Recall Correctly.
`IMHO`	In My Humble Opinion.
`IRC`	Internet Relay Chat.
`IRCop`	IRC network operator.
`ISO`	Optical disc image or ISO standard.
`ISR`	Interrupt Service Routine.
`JMP`	Assembly jump instruction.
`KISS`	Keep It Simple, Stupid.
`LAND attack`	Packet with identical source and destination.
`LOL`	Laughing Out Loud.
`MF tones`	Multi-Frequency telephone control tones.
`MITM`	Man-In-The-Middle attack.
`MOD`	Amiga tracker music module.
`NAK`	Negative acknowledgment.
`NIH`	Not Invented Here.
`NOP`	No Operation instruction.
`NOP sled`	Sequence of NOPs before shellcode.
`OEP`	Original Entry Point.
`OllyDbg`	Classic Windows debugger.
`PBX`	Private Branch Exchange.
`PE`	Portable Executable format.
`PEBKAC`	Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair.
`PICNIC`	Problem In Chair, Not In Computer.
`RAT`	Remote Access Trojan.
`REPL`	Read-Eval-Print Loop.
`RET`	Assembly return instruction.
`RIPscrip`	Graphical BBS terminal protocol.
`RTFM`	Read The Fine Manual.
`RVA`	Relative Virtual Address.
`S-expression`	Lisp symbolic expression.
`SIGKILL`	Uncatchable process termination signal.
`SIGTERM`	Graceful termination signal.
`STFW`	Search The Fucking Web.
`SYN flood`	TCP denial-of-service attack.
`TL;DR`	Too Long; Didn't Read.
`WYSIWYG`	What You See Is What You Get.
`XDCC`	IRC file distribution protocol.
`XDCC bot`	IRC bot serving XDCC downloads.
`YAGNI`	You Aren't Gonna Need It.
`YMMV`	Your Mileage May Vary.
`adware`	Advertising-supported software.
`affil`	Site affiliated with a release group.
`alias`	Alternate username or identity.
`atom`	Indivisible Lisp data object.
`backdoor`	Hidden unauthorized access method.
`background job`	Process running without terminal control.
`bar`	Placeholder variable name.
`bare metal`	Running directly on hardware.
`bastion host`	Hardened network gateway.
`baz`	Placeholder variable name.
`beige box`	Phone phreak device using a handset.
`bikeshedding`	Arguing over trivial details.
`bind shell`	Shell listening for incoming connections.
`bit bucket`	Imaginary place where discarded data goes.
`bit rot`	Gradual software degradation.
`bit slice`	Modular CPU architecture technique.
`bit twiddling`	Clever bitwise manipulation.
`black box`	Device with hidden internals.
`black magic`	Clever but poorly understood technique.
`blackhat`	Malicious security attacker.
`blargh`	Expression of frustration.
`blinking lights`	Nostalgic reference to mainframe consoles.
`blue box`	Device generating phone control tones.
`board`	Bulletin Board System (BBS).
`bogon`	Bogus or invalid entity.
`bogosity`	Degree of bogusness.
`bootstrap`	Self-starting initialization process.
`bootstrapping`	Building a system using itself.
`bot`	Automated software agent.
`botnet`	Network of compromised bots.
`bounce`	Using an intermediate host/service to relay traffic.
`breakpoint`	Debugger stop point at a chosen instruction.
`brute force`	Trying many possibilities until one works.
`buffer overflow`	Writing beyond allocated memory boundaries.
`bugtraq`	Historic security mailing list for vulnerabilities.
`caller`	Person connecting to a BBS system.
`caller log`	Record of BBS users and connections.
`car`	Lisp operation returning the first list element.
`cargo cult programming`	Copying code patterns without understanding them.
`cdr`	Lisp operation returning the rest of a list.
`chmod 777`	Unix command giving all permissions to everyone.
`chroot`	Changing a process's apparent filesystem root.
`clean room`	Independent recreation without using original code.
`clone`	Copy or duplicate of a system, account, or object.
`cons`	Lisp operation creating a list pair.
`copper`	Amiga custom chip technique for graphics effects.
`core dump`	Memory snapshot produced after a crash.
`core memory`	Magnetic-core RAM used in early computers.
`cosysop`	Assistant system operator on a BBS.
`courier`	Person distributing files in the warez scene.
`crack`	Modification bypassing software protection.
`cracked`	Software protection successfully removed.
`cracker`	Person who breaks software/security systems.
`crackme`	Program created as a reverse-engineering challenge.
`cracktro`	Intro animation added to cracked software.
`cron`	Unix scheduled task daemon.
`cruft`	Unnecessary accumulated software or data.
`crufty`	Full of old, messy, unnecessary components.
`daemon`	Background service process.
`deadlock`	Situation where processes wait forever on each other.
`debugger`	Tool for inspecting and controlling programs.
`defacement`	Unauthorized modification of a website.
`dictionary attack`	Password guessing using word lists.
`disasm`	Short for disassembly.
`disassembly`	Converting machine code into assembly language.
`dot directory`	Hidden Unix directory beginning with a dot.
`dotfile`	Hidden configuration file beginning with a dot.
`download`	Transfer data from a remote system.
`dropper`	Program that installs or delivers malware.
`dump`	Copy or extract data from memory/storage.
`dump site`	Server hosting stolen or shared files.
`dupe`	Duplicate release or file.
`echomail`	FidoNet distributed message system.
`egg`	Small program component, often in bot/malware slang.
`eggdrop`	Popular IRC bot software.
`elegant`	Simple, clever, well-designed solution.
`elite`	Highly skilled hacker or scene member.
`exploit`	Code or method abusing a vulnerability.
`export table`	PE file table listing exported functions.
`filter`	Program processing input and producing output.
`finger`	Early Unix user information protocol.
`firmware`	Software stored inside hardware devices.
`first!`	Claim of being first to release/find something.
`flame`	Hostile argument or personal attack.
`flood`	Excessive traffic/messages overwhelming a service.
`foo`	Generic placeholder name.
`foobar`	Classic meaningless example identifier.
`foreground job`	Process running attached to terminal.
`fork bomb`	Program spawning processes until resources fail.
`format string`	Text formatting vulnerability class.
`fraggle`	UDP amplification denial-of-service attack.
`frob`	Manipulate or adjust something.
`frobnicate`	Hacker slang for modifying or experimenting.
`front panel`	Physical computer control panel with switches/lights.
`fubar`	"Fucked Up Beyond All Repair."
`full rip`	Complete software/game extraction.
`garbage collector`	Automatic memory cleanup system.
`gateway`	System connecting different networks.
`glue code`	Code connecting separate components.
`gold box`	Phone phreaking device variant.
`grayhat`	Hacker between ethical and malicious roles.
`greetz`	Scene-style greetings/shout-outs.
`gronk`	To understand or operate something (slang).
`guru`	Highly respected expert.
`hack`	Clever technical solution or modification.
`hacker`	Skilled computer enthusiast or explorer.
`hacker ethic`	Culture valuing knowledge sharing and exploration.
`handle`	Online nickname or alias.
`hard link`	Filesystem reference to same data inode.
`heap spray`	Filling memory with repeated data for exploitation.
`hex dump`	Display of data in hexadecimal form.
`hex edit`	Modify binary data using hexadecimal values.
`hijack`	Take control of a session/system/resource.
`hole`	Security vulnerability.
`homoiconic`	Code represented using its own data structure.
`hot patch`	Modify running software without restart.
`image`	Exact copy of storage media/data.
`import table`	PE file table listing imported functions.
`init`	First Unix userspace process.
`inode`	Unix filesystem metadata structure.
`interrupt`	Signal causing CPU attention to an event.
`intro`	Demo/animation included with releases.
`iron`	Hacker slang for physical hardware.
`job control`	Unix process management features.
`keep it real`	Remain authentic; avoid pretending.
`kewl`	Deliberately misspelled "cool."
`keygen`	Program generating software license keys.
`keylogger`	Software recording keyboard input.
`keymaker`	Tool/person creating license keys.
`kiddie`	Inexperienced user, often script kiddie.
`kiddiot`	Insult for clueless beginner.
`killfile`	Filter blocking unwanted messages/users.
`kludge`	Awkward but functional workaround.
`l33t`	Leetspeak spelling of "elite."
`lambda`	Anonymous function construct.
`lame`	Unskilled or unimpressive.
`lamer`	Person considered incompetent.
`leech`	User taking files without contributing.
`leetspeak`	Hacker-style text substitutions (3=E, 1=L).
`livelock`	Processes active but making no progress.
`loader`	Program that loads another program/code into memory.
`local exploit`	Vulnerability exploited from the local machine.
`local root`	Gaining root privileges locally.
`logic bomb`	Hidden code triggered by a condition or date.
`login shell`	Command shell started after user authentication.
`loop`	Repeated execution of instructions or code.
`loop around`	Telephone phreaking term for circuit connection tricks.
`loser`	Insult for an incompetent or disliked person.
`lurker`	Someone who reads but does not participate.
`luser`	"Luser" = loser + user; clueless computer user.
`macro`	Named sequence of commands or code expansion.
`magic number`	Hard-coded unexplained constant in code.
`memory map`	Layout showing memory regions and usage.
`memory patch`	Direct modification of program memory values.
`message base`	BBS storage area for messages.
`metamorphic`	Code that changes its own structure while preserving behavior.
`microcode`	Low-level CPU instruction implementation layer.
`mirror`	Duplicate server or file repository.
`monkey patch`	Runtime modification of existing code.
`multipartite`	Malware infecting multiple types of targets.
`mung`	Modify, damage, or transform something.
`munged`	Modified or altered, often messily.
`n00b`	Leetspeak for beginner/new user.
`netiquette`	Etiquette rules for online communication.
`netsplit`	IRC network temporarily separating into parts.
`newb`	Beginner; variant of newbie.
`newbie`	New or inexperienced user.
`newbie / noob`	Beginner; "noob" often implies incompetence.
`nick collision`	IRC event where two users share a nickname.
`node`	Individual system connected to a network.
`noob`	Derogatory term for inexperienced user.
`nuked`	Damaged, disabled, or removed (scene/BBS slang).
`nuking`	Attacking or destroying a service/account.
`old-timer`	Experienced veteran user/hacker.
`oldskool`	Deliberately old-school style or culture.
`opcode`	Machine instruction code.
`oper`	IRC operator with administrative privileges.
`orphan process`	Process whose parent has terminated.
`own`	To defeat, control, or compromise something.
`owned`	Compromised or dominated.
`owned IRC`	IRC network/channel taken over.
`owned account`	Compromised user account.
`owned box`	Compromised computer system.
`owned by`	Controlled or defeated by someone/something.
`owned domain`	Compromised domain name/account.
`owned hard`	Completely defeated or compromised.
`owned host`	Compromised network host.
`owned network`	Compromised network environment.
`owned root`	Root access obtained.
`owned shell`	Compromised shell account/system.
`packer`	Tool compressing or obfuscating executables.
`packet`	Unit of data sent across a network.
`packet crafting`	Manually creating custom network packets.
`patch`	Update or modification fixing/changing software.
`payload`	Code/data delivered after exploitation.
`peace`	Informal farewell greeting.
`phat`	Hacker slang for impressive/good.
`phreak`	Telephone system hacker.
`ping`	Network tool testing reachability.
`ping flood`	Overwhelming a host with ICMP requests.
`ping timeout`	Failure due to no ping response.
`pipe`	Mechanism connecting program input/output.
`pivot`	Using one compromised system to reach another.
`plasma`	Demoscene graphical effect.
`pointer chasing`	Following chains of memory references.
`polymorphic`	Code that changes appearance while functioning identically.
`poser`	Someone pretending to have expertise.
`pre`	Scene term: first release of software/media.
`predb`	Database recording scene releases.
`privilege escalation`	Gaining higher permissions than intended.
`promiscuous mode`	Network card mode capturing all traffic.
`proper`	Corrected/replacement scene release.
`props`	Respect or praise.
`protected mode`	x86 CPU mode with memory protection.
`protector`	Software protecting executables from analysis.
`proxy`	Intermediate system forwarding connections.
`proxy chain`	Multiple proxies linked together.
`pseudo-terminal`	Software-created terminal interface.
`pty`	Pseudo-terminal device.
`pub`	Public FTP/BBS file server.
`pubstro`	Public FTP storage server.
`pwn`	Hacker slang for own/compromise.
`pwned`	Compromised or defeated.
`quick hack`	Fast, temporary technical solution.
`quux`	Traditional placeholder name.
`race`	Competition to release/find something first.
`race condition`	Timing-dependent software bug.
`race exploit`	Exploit using a race condition.
`rainbow box`	Phone phreaking device variant.
`rainbow table`	Precomputed password hash lookup table.
`ransomware`	Malware demanding payment for recovery.
`raster bars`	Demoscene graphics effect using scanlines.
`ratio`	BBS upload/download contribution requirement.
`raw socket`	Network socket allowing packet-level control.
`real mode`	Original x86 CPU operating mode.
`recursive`	Function/process calling itself.
`red box`	Phone phreak device simulating coins.
`register`	Small CPU storage location.
`relay`	System forwarding data between parties.
`release`	Official scene distribution of software/media.
`release group`	Team producing scene releases.
`remote exploit`	Vulnerability exploited over a network.
`remote root`	Obtaining root access remotely.
`repack`	Repackaged software/release.
`respect`	Recognition or admiration.
`reverse shell`	Shell connection initiated back to operator.
`ring 0`	Highest x86 privilege level (kernel mode).
`ring 3`	Lowest x86 user privilege level.
`rip`	Extracted copy of software/media.
`ripper`	Tool/person creating extracted copies.
`rlogin`	Remote login protocol used on Unix systems.
`root`	Unix superuser with full system privileges.
`root shell`	Command shell running with root privileges.
`rooted`	System successfully compromised with root access.
`rooted box`	Compromised computer under attacker control.
`rootkit`	Software hiding unauthorized access or modifications.
`rootme`	Challenge or goal involving gaining root access.
`rotozoomer`	Demoscene effect rotating and zooming images.
`sandbox`	Restricted environment for running code safely.
`scanner`	Tool searching systems/services for information or flaws.
`scanner sweep`	Broad scan across multiple hosts.
`scanner war`	Competition or conflict involving network scanners.
`scareware`	Software using fear to trick users.
`scene`	Organized underground release community.
`script kiddie`	Inexperienced user relying on ready-made tools.
`scrolltext`	Scrolling text effect in demos.
`segfault`	Segmentation fault; invalid memory access crash.
`serial`	Software license number/code.
`serialz`	Scene slang for software serial numbers.
`shell`	Command-line interface to an operating system.
`shell account`	Remote account providing command-line access.
`shellcode`	Small machine code payload, often exploit-related.
`shim`	Small compatibility layer between components.
`shoutz`	Scene-style shout-outs or greetings.
`silver box`	Phone phreaking device variant.
`skid`	Short for script kiddie.
`smurf`	ICMP amplification denial-of-service attack.
`snafu`	"Situation Normal: All Fouled Up."
`sniff`	Capture or inspect network traffic.
`sniffer`	Tool capturing network packets.
`sniffing`	Monitoring network communications.
`socket`	Software endpoint for network communication.
`softICE`	Classic Windows kernel debugger.
`spaghetti code`	Tangled, difficult-to-maintain code.
`sploit`	Slang shortening of exploit.
`spoof`	Fake identity/source information.
`spoofing`	Creating deceptive network/data identities.
`spread`	Distribution of malware or files.
`spyware`	Software secretly collecting information.
`stack smash`	Corruption of stack memory.
`stay underground`	Remain hidden from authorities/public attention.
`stderr`	Standard error output stream.
`stdin`	Standard input stream.
`stdout`	Standard output stream.
`stealth virus`	Virus designed to hide its presence.
`sticky bit`	Unix permission bit controlling file deletion behavior.
`stub`	Small placeholder program/code component.
`su`	Unix command to switch user identity.
`sudo`	Unix command for authorized privilege elevation.
`suid`	Unix permission allowing execution as file owner.
`supplier`	Scene member providing releases.
`symbol table`	Mapping of names to program addresses.
`symlink`	Symbolic filesystem link.
`sysop`	System operator of a BBS/server.
`tail recursion`	Recursion where the final operation is the call.
`take over`	Gain control of an account/system/channel.
`tandem`	Telephone switching/network term.
`teardrop`	Fragmentation-based denial-of-service attack.
`telnet`	Text-based remote login protocol.
`thunk`	Small adapter layer or indirect function call.
`time bomb`	Code triggered at a specific time.
`toggle switches`	Physical computer control switches.
`topsite`	High-level warez distribution server.
`traceroute`	Tool showing network path to a host.
`tracker`	Software tracking changes or activity; also music software.
`trainer`	Game modification tool.
`trigger`	Event that activates code/action.
`trojan`	Malicious program disguised as legitimate software.
`troll`	Person provoking online arguments.
`trunk`	Main telephone/network connection path.
`tty`	Terminal interface device.
`tunnel`	Encapsulated connection through another network.
`tweak`	Small modification or adjustment.
`uber`	Hacker slang meaning extremely good.
`uberleet`	Extremely elite/skilled.
`ugly hack`	Inelegant but working solution.
`underground`	Hidden hacker/scene community.
`unnuked`	Scene release restored after being marked bad.
`unpack`	Remove executable compression/protection.
`unpacking`	Process of reversing packed software.
`upload`	Transfer data to another system.
`upload/download ratio`	BBS requirement balancing sharing.
`virii`	Hacker slang plural of virus (nonstandard).
`virus`	Program that replicates by infecting files/systems.
`voodoo programming`	Code that works without clear understanding.
`vuln`	Short for vulnerability.
`ware d00d`	Warez enthusiast/user slang.
`warez`	Pirated software distribution scene.
`warez bot`	IRC bot distributing warez files.
`wheel reinvention`	Recreating something that already exists.
`whitehat`	Ethical security researcher.
`wizard`	Extremely skilled programmer/technician.
`wonky`	Strange, unreliable, or malfunctioning.
`worm`	Self-propagating malware.
`wrapper`	Program layer around another program/component.
`yak shaving`	Long chain of indirect tasks delaying the goal.
`zero-day`	Previously unknown vulnerability or exploit.
`zombie`	Compromised machine controlled remotely.

Warning