cyberattack

noun

cy·ber·at·tack | \ ˈsī-bər-ə-ˌtak

How to pronounce cyberattack (audio)

\

plural cyberattacks

Definition of cyberattack

: an attempt to gain illegal access to a computer or computer system for the purpose of causing damage or harm An undermine-first strategy allows the United States government to intrude into adversaries' systems, exploiting this covert access to gather intelligence and occasionally to deliver a destructive cyberattack.— Joshua A. Kroll If your data is valuable enough, there is almost nothing you can do to provide total security against an expert adversary. Simply put, the attacker may be smarter than anyone you have defending the network. Cyberattacks are not only impossible to block, they're often difficult to detect; you may not even know you're under attack in the first place.— Robert W. Lucky

Other Words from cyberattack

cyberattacker \ ˈsī-bər-ə-ˌta-kər

\ noun, plural cyberattackers

Cyberattackers constantly evolve their skills and will always find new ways to attack—it's not a question of "if," but of "when." — Eileen Dignen

Buying Guide

Our Reviews team has selected the best laptops.

Learn More About cyberattack

Dictionary Entries Near cyberattack

cyberattack

Statistics for cyberattack

Cite this Entry

“Cyberattack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyberattack. Accessed 3 Jul. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

teem

Listen to the pronunciation of teem

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words Named After People

Namesake of the leotard, Jules Léotard had what profession?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ