cybercrime

noun

cy·​ber·​crime ˈsī-bər-ˌkrīm How to pronounce cybercrime (audio)
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 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 Ransomware is a type of cybercrime in which hackers use malicious software to encrypt a network of computers, usually belonging to a business or critical service, and demand a cryptocurrency payment for a promise to fix the problem. Kevin Collier, NBC News, 20 Feb. 2024 Neuberger said artificial intelligence is already at work to combat cybercrimes. Major Garrett, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2024 Education Access Education is another area where cybercrime has soared. Nicole Tisdale, WIRED, 12 Feb. 2024 So far, this global cybercrime syndicate’s haul from some 2,000 victims tops $120 million. Bynick Rockel, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2024 According to Palo Alto Networks Unit 42, which focuses on cybercrime, 2023 saw 3,998 ransomware attacks—a 49% increase when compared to 2022. Cio, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 In one of the largest cybercrime takedowns to date, agencies from the United States, United Kingdom and 12 other countries dismantled Lockbit’s infrastructure and replaced its dark web site with a list of agency press releases and resources for victims. Kevin Collier, NBC News, 20 Feb. 2024 Hours before Pitts’ comments, a notorious, multinational cybercrime group claimed responsibility for the hack and posted online what appeared to be internal Fulton County documents, including a police report and a retirement statement. Sean Lyngaas, CNN, 14 Feb. 2024 Inconsistent information — Sometimes fake accounts are created by a cybercrime ring, with two or three scammers behind one dating profile. Ash-Har Quraishi, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2024

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.

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cybercrime was in 1991

Dictionary Entries Near cybercrime

Cite this Entry

“Cybercrime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cybercrime. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cybercrime

noun
cy·​ber·​crime
ˈsī-bər-ˌkrīm
: criminal activity (as fraud or theft) committed using a computer especially to illegally access, transmit, or manipulate data
also : an instance of such activity

Legal Definition

cybercrime

noun
cy·​ber·​crime ˈsī-bər-ˌkrīm How to pronounce cybercrime (audio)
: crime (as theft, fraud, intellectual property violations, or distribution of child pornography) committed electronically
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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