Reference
The glossary
Plain-language definitions of the security, identity and fraud terms our readers get asked to explain.
A
- Account takeover (ATO)Criminal control of a legitimate account.
- APP fraudScams where victims authorize the payment themselves.
C
- CAMARAOpen-source project defining telecom network APIs.
F
- FIDO2Open standard behind passkeys and security keys.
N
- Number verificationCarrier check that a device holds a given number.
O
- OTP botAutomated calls that trick victims into reading out codes.
P
- PasskeyA login credential bound to one website.
- Phishing-resistant MFAAuthentication a fake site can't relay.
S
- Silent network authenticationVerification through the mobile network, with no code typed.
- SIM swapHijacking a phone number by moving it to a new SIM.
- Strong customer authenticationThe EU's two-factor rule for payments.
Z
- Zero trustNo request trusted for where it comes from alone.