cyberwarfare

American  

[sahy-ber-wawr-fair] / ˈsaɪ bərˌwɔr fɛər /

Also cyber warfare

noun

Computers.

1. computer-based attacks or covert computer infiltration of a network or other digital system to harm a military or other adversary.

   Cyberwarfare is an inexpensive mechanism used by smaller nations to even the playing field.

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cyberwarfare Cultural  

1. The use of computers and other devices to attack an enemy's information systems as opposed to an enemy's armies or factories. (See information warfare.)

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Etymology

Origin of cyberwarfare

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

Example Sentences

Training will cover everything from traditional skills through to "basic drone control and drone protection skills" and cyberwarfare techniques and countermeasures.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

Such attacks have been embarrassing to some in a country known for cutting-edge cyberwarfare, including Stuxnet, a high-profile sabotage project developed by Israel and the U.S. that infiltrated an Iranian nuclear enrichment facility in 2010.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

The form of this response, be it a direct military strike, cyberwarfare, or a covert action has not been publicly revealed.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2024

Sandworm has been previously identified as a cyberwarfare unit of Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency.

From Reuters • Nov. 9, 2023

The Pentagon would be loath to lose access to cutting-edge Israeli military technology, especially in the theater of cyberwarfare.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 26, 2023