Every IT term we use, in plain English.

A current list of every device, licence, warranty and who has it.

Why it matters: You can't secure, budget for or replace what you can't see.

Actually restoring data to confirm the backup works, rather than trusting the report.

Why it matters: A backup job can succeed for months while the restore is impossible.

Rules that decide when a login is allowed — by location, device or risk level.

Why it matters: Blocks sign-ins from places or devices your business never uses.

Modern antivirus that also detects suspicious behaviour and reports centrally.

Why it matters: Someone actually sees the alert instead of it sitting on one laptop.

Any device a person uses: laptop, desktop, phone or tablet.

Why it matters: Most incidents start on an endpoint, so this is where protection matters most.

Microsoft's identity service (formerly Azure AD) that holds your staff logins.

Why it matters: It controls who can sign in to email, Teams, SharePoint and company devices.

The device that controls what traffic can enter and leave your network.

Why it matters: An ISP modem is not a firewall — rules and logging matter.

Everyone gets only the access their job needs — nothing extra.

Why it matters: Limits the damage when any single account is compromised.

A second proof of identity — usually a code or app prompt — on top of your password.

Why it matters: Stops the vast majority of account takeovers, even when a password leaks.

Applying vendor updates to operating systems, apps and network gear.

Why it matters: Unpatched software creates a known path for attackers.

A fake message designed to trick someone into handing over credentials or money.

Why it matters: A common entry point for attacks on small business.

Power delivered over the same cable that carries network data.

Why it matters: Powers access points, phones and cameras without extra power outlets.

How much data you can afford to lose, and how quickly you need to be back up.

Why it matters: These two numbers decide what your backup design needs to look like.

Microsoft's cloud file storage — shared company files and personal files.

Why it matters: Where your documents actually live once you move off a local server.

A written commitment to response and resolution times.

Why it matters: It's the difference between 'we'll get to it' and a measurable promise.

DNS records that prove your email really came from you.

Why it matters: Without them your mail lands in junk and others can spoof your domain.

A way of splitting one physical network into separate logical networks.

Why it matters: Keeps guests, cameras and phones away from your business systems.

An encrypted tunnel into your office network from outside it.

Why it matters: Lets staff work remotely without exposing internal systems to the internet.

An approach that verifies every request instead of trusting the internal network.

Why it matters: Reflects reality now that staff and data both live outside the office.