What does cyberattack mean?
A cyberattack is a deliberate attempt to gain unauthorized access to, steal information from, damage, or disrupt a computer, network, or other digital system. The term covers a broad range of malicious activities, including malware deployment, phishing, password theft, ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, and exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Cyberattacks may target individuals, businesses, hospitals, government agencies, or critical infrastructure, and their consequences can range from stolen information and financial loss to interrupted services and reputational damage. The word is especially common in cybersecurity, technology, and news reporting, while the older spelling “cyber attack” remains familiar. It can also be used as a verb, as in “the attackers cyberattacked the network,” though this is less common than the noun. Understanding the term is useful because digital attacks can be launched remotely, operate at large scale, and affect essential services without involving physical combat.
A deliberate attempt to compromise, disrupt, damage, or steal information from a computer, network, or other digital system.
"The organization increased its defenses after detecting a cyberattack."
This is the primary and most common part of speech. The alternative spelling “cyber attack” is also accepted.
To deliberately attack or attempt to compromise a computer, network, or other digital system.
"The criminals cyberattacked several online accounts and attempted to redirect payments."
This use is less frequent than the noun and is more characteristic of technical and security contexts.
The regular plural is used for individual incidents or attacks: “the company suffered several cyberattacks.” The two-word form “cyber attacks” is also common.
"Government agencies reported a series of cyberattacks against critical infrastructure."
A cyberattack can steal data or disable essential services without firing a shot.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does cyberattack come from?
The word combines “cyber,” from the Greek kybernētēs, meaning “steersman” or “helmsman,” with “attack.” “Cyber” entered English through the vocabulary of computers and automation, including “cybernetics,” before becoming a general prefix for things involving computers or electronic communication. “Cyberattack” developed in the late twentieth century alongside networked computing and the growing need to describe deliberate malicious actions against digital systems. Its meaning parallels the older term “computer attack,” while its prefix links it to the broader language of cyberspace, cybernetics, and cyberpunk.
Related word forms
How cyberattack is actually used
The closed form “cyberattack” is standard in current usage, although “cyber attack” is also widely used. The term is primarily formal and technical, but it has become common in journalism and general discussion of digital security. As a verb, “cyberattack” is less frequent and is often replaced by forms such as “hack” or “attack” with “computer system” or “network” as the object.
Easily confused with cyberattack
A cyberattack is an individual malicious act or incident, whereas cyberwar refers to sustained conflict conducted through computer networks, often between countries or organized groups.