Pronunciation: [wˈa͡ɪt lˈɪst] (IPA) 
The spelling of "white list" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "w" is pronounced as /w/ and the "h" is silent. The "i" is pronounced as /aɪ/ and the "t" as /t/. The word "list" is pronounced as /lɪst/. Together, the word spells out /wʌɪt lɪst/, which refers to a list of acceptable or approved items. It is important to use correct spelling to avoid confusion and ensure effective communication.
A white list, also known as an allowed list, is a cybersecurity term used to describe a list of entities or items that are deemed safe and permitted to access a particular system, network, or service. It is a protective measure implemented to grant access only to approved and trusted sources while denying access to all other entities.
In the context of computer security, when a system operates under a white list policy, any attempt to access it must be identified and matched against the list of approved sources. If a match is found, the system allows access; otherwise, it denies entry. In this way, a white list acts as a security filter to prevent unauthorized access, malicious software, and potential threats from infiltrating or compromising a system's integrity.
The creation and maintenance of a white list often involve the system administrator or network security team who continually update and manage the list. This iterative process ensures that only trusted sources are granted access, providing better control and protection against unauthorized activities or attacks.
White lists are commonly employed in various sectors, including computer networks, online platforms, digital application stores, email systems, and web filtering. By restricting access to known and verified sources, white lists help safeguard systems, data, and users from potential security risks, ensuring a safer and more controlled environment.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "White list" is a compound term made up of the words "white" and "list".
The word "white" has roots in Old English "hwīt", which itself derives from Proto-Germanic "*hwītaz". This word originally meant "bright" or "shining". Over time, it also came to signify notions of purity, cleanliness, innocence, and goodness.
The word "list" comes from Middle English "liste", which in turn comes from Old English "līste". It originally meant "a strip of paper" or "a border", but eventually came to refer to a register or roll of names.
When these two words are combined, "white" acts as an adjective emphasizing purity or goodness, and "list" refers to a register.
