- Fraggle Attack A Fraggle attack is a type of denial of service (DoS) attack that targets a network by sending a large amount of spoofed UDP traffic to the network's broadcast address. Each packet prompts devices to respond, creating a flood of traffic that can overload and disrupt services. This exploit takes advantage of the amplification effect of broadcasting to multiple devices, thereby magnifying the attack's impact.
- Frame relay A high-speed, packet-switched telecommunications network technology that was designed for cost-efficient data transmission for intermittent traffic between local area networks (LANs) and between endpoints in a wide area network (WAN). Because of its nature, it's crucial to implement proper security measures, like encrypting data before transmission, to protect data integrity and prevent unauthorized access.
- Freeware Software that is available for use at no monetary cost, typically distributed with a license that allows users to download, install, and utilize the software without any payment. Freeware may be proprietary, with the source code not available for modification or redistribution by users. It is often supported by voluntary donations, advertisements, or as a strategy to entice users to purchase a more capable paid version. Unlike open-source software, the rights to copy, modify, and redistribute freeware are usually restricted by the developer. Popular examples of freeware include Adobe Reader and Skype.
- Frequency The number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time. It is most often associated with waves, like radio waves, and determines the data transmission rate. High-frequency waves can transmit more data but may also be more susceptible to interception or interference, leading to potential data loss or unauthorized access.
- Frequency Analysis A method used in cryptanalysis to study the frequency of letters or groups of letters in a ciphertext. The technique is based on the fact that, in any given stretch of written language, certain letters and combinations of letters occur with varying frequencies. If an unauthorized entity conducts frequency analysis successfully, it can potentially decrypt and access sensitive information without authorization.
- Frequency-division Multiplexing (FDM)A technique used in the telecommunications field that allows multiple signals to be transmitted simultaneously over a single communication line or medium by allocating a unique frequency range to each signal. This separation of the total bandwidth into various non-overlapping frequency sub-bands reduces interference and enhances communication reliability. FDM finds wide usage in radio and TV broadcasting, satellite and cable systems, as well as telephone networks.
- Frequency Hopping A method of transmitting radio signals by rapidly switching a carrier among many frequency channels, using a pseudorandom sequence known to both transmitter and receiver. This technique minimizes the risk of interference and interception, as it appears as short bursts of noise on any one channel. It is widely used in technologies like Bluetooth and some secure communication channels. Frequency hopping is effective against signal jamming and eavesdropping and improves the sharing of the radio spectrum among multiple users.
- FTC (Federal Trade Commission) An independent agency of the United States government that enforces federal consumer protection laws. It is used to prevent deceptive or fraudulent business practices and protect consumers. For example, the FTC has brought lawsuits against companies for false advertising or unfair business practices.
- Full Backup The process of copying every file and piece of data from a particular system or storage device. This backup type creates a comprehensive replica of all directories, files, and databases, ensuring that all information can be restored from this single backup if necessary. While full backups can be more resource-intensive than other types (like incremental or differential backups), they provide a complete snapshot of data at a particular point in time and are essential for disaster recovery and business continuity purposes.
- Full disclosure The practice of revealing all known vulnerabilities of a system or software to the public. This approach is often taken by security researchers and ethical hackers after finding a security weakness to ensure that all stakeholders, including the vendor and users, are aware of the issue. The intent is usually to pressure the software producer into addressing the vulnerability promptly while enabling users to understand their risk exposure and take necessary precautions, such as applying patches or workarounds.
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