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

See Examples For:

cyberwarfare

Because of this, Coates said he believes an attack by the US on Canada would not begin with an armed assault, but rather with more discreet means like cyberwarfare.

From BBC ● Oct. 3, 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