cyberterrorism

American  

[sahy-ber-ter-uh-riz-uhm] / ˌsaɪ bərˈtɛr əˌrɪz əm /

Or cyber terrorism

noun

Computers.

1. computer-based attacks aimed at disabling vital computer systems so as to intimidate, coerce, or harm a government or section of the population.

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cyberterrorism British  

/ ˈsaɪbəˌtɛrərɪzəm /

noun

1. the illegal use of computers and the internet to achieve some goal

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Other Word Forms

• cyberterrorist noun

Etymology

Origin of cyberterrorism

First recorded in 1990–95; cyber- ( def. ) + terrorism ( def. )

Explanation

When someone uses the internet to cause fear and turmoil by disrupting computer networks, that's cyberterrorism. Some experts argue that the term cyberterrorism should only be used to describe online actions by known terrorist groups. Most people use it to describe any deliberate large-scale network disruption, especially attacks intended to further ideological or political goals. Malware, computer viruses, and hacking government systems are all examples of cyberterrorism. The prefix cyber- refers generally to computers, from cybernetics, the science of communications and control systems.

Example Sentences

But we must also find solutions to the climate crisis, to cyberterrorism, to our energy needs, as well as preparing for the coming of AI.

From Scientific American • Mar. 17, 2020

Meanwhile, racism, the opioid crisis, Brexit, gun control, immigration, assisted suicide, corporate fraud, the existence of God, sexual abuse, cyberterrorism — these issues rumble by just as fast as that old Chevy Cruze can drive.

From Washington Post • Sep. 3, 2019

Federal officials say the trio cooperated extensively with the FBI on cybercrime and cyberterrorism issues.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 19, 2018

This is where things get even fuzzier: Generally, when people talk about cyberterrorism, they’re thinking about recruitment.

From Slate • Mar. 1, 2016

Experts suggest that as more governments and businesses switch to computers to store data and run operations, the threat of cyberterrorism will increase.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2012