What to Explain to Non-Technical Workers about Information Technology

Are you interested in becoming an IT specialist but wonder what you will need to explain about Information Technology to a non-technical coworker? As an IT specialist, you’ll manage complex infrastructures, commercial networks, and hardware and software designs. Data centers and security will become a part of your daily life, and it’s up to you to protect company data and client information from hackers. An important part of your every day role will be to explain IT to non-technical coworkers.

What Does an IT Specialist Teach Workers?

As an IT specialist, you will train workers to use devices and services on an organization’s network. The training sessions are vital whenever the company changes its IT systems, updates the network, or introduces new protocols. In addition, you will train workers on using new software installed on computers and devices. Plus, you will ensure that all workers follow current IT policies and standards. Here are some IT aspects that you will introduce to employees.

Password Protocol

All workers within an organization receive login credentials, a username and a password that lets them sign into the network and their work computer. Password protocol authenticates users and their passwords. They also enable the user account to communicate with the server and access services such as the internet, data centers, and business services like email accounts.

You’ve used a password protocol by signing into your home computer or smartphone to read this article. You’ve also used it to connect to your Wi-Fi. Your internet service provider authenticated or accepted your username and password to connect you to their service, giving you access to the internet. Using storytelling will help you explain password protocols to your coworkers.

How to Use a Firewall

Network security devices like firewalls are essential to keep a network safe and protect it from malicious software and packets. Your firewall is a protective barrier between your computer or smartphone and the public internet service. It blocks threats whenever the firewall discovers software or traffic violating current security policies and standards. It only allows safe traffic into and out of the network.

Avoiding Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are social engineering attacks that collect data, such as financial details and login credentials. And the criminals use any practices available to steal your identity and achieve financial gains. The primary delivery method for these attacks is emails and text messages.

The criminal uses a well-known name that you’d trust and sends a message that looks like it came from one of your contacts. For example, you may receive a text message from Walmart informing you that the store needs more details to deliver your package.

In the body of the message, you will find a link encouraging you to click to enter the information. But wait, you didn’t order anything; what package? Exactly! And this is how these cybercriminals have collected millions of details from consumers.

Against their better judgment, the consumer clicks the link to find out what is happening. Next thing they know, there are suspicious charges on their credit cards or a new listing on their credit report that they know shouldn’t be there.

You will use software and tools like anti-phishing and spam programs to detect malicious content in emails and text messages on any device (computers, tablets, and smartphones) connected to the network. In addition, these tools and programs help users within organizations avoid phishing scams created to infiltrate the network and steal data.

Attachment Protocol

As an IT specialist, you will devise strategies to protect against social engineering attacks connected to email attachments. These attacks work because the cybercriminal attaches what appears to be a safe file. Instead of attachments opening when you click on the email, you have to click on the attachment yourself to see what it is.

Malicious software installs onto your computer if the file attachment contains malware and takes over your computer or steals data stored on your device. To stop these attacks, you will use an attachment protocol to scan the files before you open them. The program will warn you if any malicious software is detected. In addition, antivirus software and malware protection programs are beneficial for enforcing attachment protocols and keeping networks secure.

IT Terms You Can Learn Today

Here are a few IT terms and their definition to save you time when educating non-technical coworkers.

Data Centers – physical facilities or rooms that house an organization’s servers and other data storage devices. These facilities have access control panels where someone needs a keycard, worker badge, or a digital code to enter. In some network designs using cloud storage, a company connects virtually or via the internet to a cloud-based data center. These facilities aren’t at the company’s location, but there are IT specialists who manage each device in the space and protect it against cybercriminals.

Infrastructure – the components used to create, manage, and operate enterprise-level environments. The infrastructure includes all the hardware, network components, software, data storage/centers, and the company’s operating system. The network components could include hubs, switches, cables, and servers that allow you to connect to all business services offered by an organization. And enterprise-level environments equate to giant corporations where thousands of workers connect to the company’s network and infrastructure.

Security Scheme/Design – security protocols required to secure a network and maintain connectivity for all users. Security protocols include authentication, authorization, and collecting data. While learning about these designs, you may hear someone say, “Robust security schemes,” which means they are strong designs. For example, they authenticate user accounts and authorize the user to access certain areas of the network or services.

The protocols also collect data for analysis to determine if there are threats or vulnerabilities present. As you learn more about IT and become an IT specialist, you’ll create security schemes based on IT standards and policies used by your future employers.

Software Packets and Updates – software developers send packets and updates to all users with a current license or certificate to use the programs. If you’ve ever used a Windows computer, you’ve received notifications about security packets and updates for your PC. As an IT specialist, you review these incoming packets and updates and decide what is safe for workstations and devices connected to your network. Then, you can set up workstations to accept and install these changes automatically or complete the task manually.

Encryption – converts data into binary code or a series of zeros and ones to prevent outsiders from seeing the data. A cybercriminal would have to capture the code and decipher it before they can use it. With robust security schemes, the network blocks criminals from gaining access and transmits the data via code too fast for an outsider to capture.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know what you will explain about Information Technology to someone without IT experience, it is time to learn more about Interactive College of Technology. We offer a complete IT curriculum to prepare you for your role as an IT specialist. Gain the knowledge and build the skills in Information Technology so you can enjoy this rewarding career opportunity.

Want to Learn More?

At Interactive College of Technology, our information technology training program offers two different paths to choose from — an in-depth Associate of Science degree in Information Technology and a streamlined diploma program to help you get to work faster.

We’ll help you decide which path is right for you, but both information technology training programs include industry-recognized certifications employers are looking for from CompTIA and Microsoft.

Plus, after you graduate college, our Lifetime Career Placement Support program will be there to help you find work whenever you need it.

So, let’s take the first step together! Contact us now to learn more.

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