cybercrime

noun

cy·ber·crime ˈsī-bər-ˌkrīm

plural cybercrimes

: criminal activity (such as fraud, theft, or distribution of child pornography) committed using a computer especially to illegally access, transmit, or manipulate data

The growing number of mobile devices, such as phones and tablets, and the popularity of social networks give them new avenues in which to expand their cybercrime.—

Eric Geier

Cybercrime is taking a bottom-line toll on the corporate workplace. Last year, losses exceeded $100 million—and that figure continues to skyrocket as security breaches pose an increasing threat to U.S. corporations, banks, and even the government.—

Beth Wilson

also : an instance of such activity

The increasing prevalence of cloud computing … has made storing and accessing important electronic data easier and less expensive than ever. However, the expanding number of documents and other information being stored electronically has increased the threat of cybercrimes, including data breaches. —

John Squitero

cybercriminal

ˈsī-bər-ˌkri-mə-nᵊl

-ˈkrim-nəl

noun

plural cybercriminals

More small businesses are falling victim to "ransomware," to which malicious code locks up computer files and cybercriminals demand a ransom to free them. —

Ruth Simon

Examples of cybercrime in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Companies that pay could violate U.S. sanctions against cybercrime groups or nations, said Nick Hyatt, cyber practice leader at security company Optiv. —

James Rundle, WSJ, 20 Sep. 2023 Two teens—one 17, one 18—have been found guilty for roles in the Lapsus$ cybercrime gang that hacked Uber, Nvidia, and Rockstar Games, among others, in 2021 and 2022. —

Alexandra Sternlicht, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2023 Sachkov is the founder of Group-IB, which specializes in combating cyberattacks and online fraud and investigating high-tech cybercrimes. —

BostonGlobe.com, 26 July 2023 The new cybercrime legislation, enacted last month, carries a punishment of up to three years in prison or a fine of up to $28,000 for content deemed to undermine public order, stir up strife or disrespect religion. —

Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2023 Tracing the real identities and relationships of Trickbot members also underscores the gang’s prominence within Russia’s flourishing cybercrime scene. —

Matt Burgess, WIRED, 30 Aug. 2023 Victim machines would then become another link in the network, surreptitiously under control of those seeking to use the network for cybercrime. —

David Dimolfetta, Washington Post, 29 Aug. 2023 The economic downturn has made a dent in the cybersecurity industry after years of rapid expansion due to lofty stock prices, easy access to investment dollars and a general rise in cybercrime. —

James Rundle, WSJ, 16 Aug. 2023 Deterring cybercrime is difficult across different jurisdictions and under an array of geopolitical conditions. —

Matt Burgess, WIRED, 30 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cybercrime.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.