information warfare

British  

noun

1. the use of electronic communciations and the internet to disrupt a country's telecommunications, power supply, transport system, etc

---

information warfare Cultural  

1. The use of information technology as an active weapon of war. This includes not only attempts to intercept, disrupt, and defend military-specific communications and information technology, but also attempts to gain access to and disrupt such critical computer systems as those involved in air traffic control, the electric power grids, and banking systems. (See cyberwarfare.)

---

Example Sentences

Officials on both sides wage information warfare with conflicting social-media posts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

"Almost any military function can be boosted with AI," from "logistics to reconnaissance, observation, information warfare, electronic warfare and cybersecurity," she added.

From Barron's • Mar. 7, 2026

Natalia Humeniuk, a spokesperson for Ukraine's southern military command, said Monday's incident was symptomatic of information warfare.

From Reuters • Nov. 13, 2023

Non-kinetic warfare developments are also outlined in the report, including advanced cyber warfare capabilities capable of attacking critical U.S. infrastructure, information warfare, and psychological and cognitive warfare tools.

From Washington Times • Oct. 19, 2023

Since not all databases and host computers are cooperative with these methods, offensive information warfare tools will be required to obtain specific pieces of information that are vital for national security purposes.

From Shock and Awe — Achieving Rapid Dominance by Wade, James P.