smurfing

British  

/ ˈsmɜːfɪŋ /

noun

1. computing the activity of using a specially designed computer program to attack a computer network by flooding it with messages, thereby rendering it inoperable

2. the activity of laundering money by conducting a large number of small transactions through banks and bureaux de change

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Etymology

Origin of smurfing

C20: (sense 1) from smurf , the name of the type of computer program used to carry out such attacks

Example Sentences

Andrew Oosterbaan, assistant inspector general for the DHS, told the subcommittees Thursday that smurfing is not criminal, but did reveal that the TSA was lax in supervising bonus ­payments.

From Washington Post • Jul. 7, 2016

One of the practices that led to Kelly Hoggan’s removal as head of the TSA’s crucial security division is common enough to have a name: smurfing.

From Washington Post • May 26, 2016

The term smurfing is a play on the animated television show “The Smurfs,” Kivela said.

From Washington Times • Jun. 7, 2014

“It would be better if we made Sudafed a prescription drug rather than pass a smurfing law,” Weise said.

From Washington Times • Jun. 7, 2014

“We have seen no evidence or hard data that smurfing rings actually exist,” she said.

From New York Times • Mar. 28, 2011