cyber defense

noun

variants or less commonly cyberdefense
plural cyber defenses also cyberdefenses
1
: steps or measures taken to protect online resources (such as a computer network or database) against unauthorized access or attack : cybersecurity
… the cost of cyberattacks—from business disruption and lost data to system downtime, damage to your company's reputation and even legal liability—is higher than ever. Cyber defense needs to be a major component of your business strategy.Chron.com
Officials said that while traditionally cities and local governments took an independent approach to cyber defense and protecting technology, "acting alone is no longer optimal."Zak Failla
State lawmakers similarly have cyberdefense in focus, allocating approximately $18 million of a $64.1 billion supplemental budget package toward higher education cybersecurity training programs.Greg Mason
2
: the capability to resist cyberattacks
The behavior of employees is also critical for an organization's cyber defense since 82% of data breaches in 2021 involved a "human element."Parvinder Walia
3
cyber defenses also cyberdefenses plural : the software, hardware, etc. used to protect against cyberattacks
Biden issued an urgent warning to American business leaders yesterday, telling them to strengthen their companies' cyber defenses immediately.Alexandra Meeks
Ukraine has been deliberate about creating a volunteer force of hackers, offering rewards for those who can pinpoint flaws in Russian cyberdefenses.Cora Engelbrecht

Examples of cyber defense in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Offices within the intelligence community, including the CIA and National Security Agency, have faced similar buyouts and workforce reductions in recent months, as well as the nation's top cyber defense agency. July 3, CBS News, 3 July 2025 The novel framework is gaining recognition in cyber defense circles for its focus on adaptive reasoning and trust calibration. William Jones, USA Today, 30 June 2025 Both the strategic and operational heads of America’s cyber defense infrastructure remain vacant, even as a sweeping new Executive Order From President Trump resets federal cybersecurity priorities. Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 Companies need to start budgeting for better cyber defenses right now. Sam Sabin, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cyber defense

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cyber defense was in 1995

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Cite this Entry

“Cyber defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyber%20defense. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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