A-Z of data protection - M is for ...

A-Z of data protection: terms you need to know

M

machine learning
• a subfield of artificial intelligence where computers solve problems by mimicking the way humans learn, which increases its accuracy
• machine learning involves training computers with big data and algorithms to identify patterns. Applications range from Netflix recommendation systems to fraud detection in banks

machine-readable format
• a format that can be automatically read and processed by a computer
• the Singapore PDPC does not specify any specific format for the data, but it recommends that open data formats should be used as much as possible, and formats subject to costly licences would be unacceptable (based on the proposed data portability provisions in 2019).

malicious threat
• caused by an intentional attack on a system which aims to harm or disrupt an organisation (e.g. hacking, social engineering, damaging property)

malvertising / pop-up phishing
• a type of phishing attack which embeds a malicious link or code in pop-ups, pop-up notification requests, or ads

malware
• short-hand term for “malicious software” on a computer or mobile device
• refers to any malicious computer program which may compromise system performance, spy on user behaviour, steal personal information, or even encrypt or delete data

man-in-the-middle
• a type of email phishing that tricks two people into thinking they are talking to each other, when the attacker is the one sending the emails, hoping that some sensitive information will be released

multi-factor authentication / two-factor authentication
• an authentication procedure which requires more than one verification method to authenticate a user, usually combining something you know (e.g., password), with something you have (e.g., a token or cryptographic identification device). Sometimes, it is also combined with something you are (e.g., biometrics)