cyberterrorism

Or cy·ber ter·ror·ism

[sahy-ber-ter-uh-riz-uhm]

noun

Computers.

1. computer-based attacks aimed at disabling vital computer systems so as to intimidate, coerce, or harm a government or section of the population.

cyberterrorism

/ ˈsaɪbəˌtɛrərɪzəm /

noun

1. the illegal use of computers and the internet to achieve some goal

Other Word Forms

• cyberterrorist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyberterrorism¹

First recorded in 1990–95; cyber- ( def. ) + terrorism ( def. )

Example Sentences

"This brings the total repatriated convicted foreign nationals to 102 in the ongoing exercise," it said, adding they had been found guilty of "cyberterrorism and internet fraud".

From BBC

Russia annexed Crimea, is preparing to attack Ukraine, meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, promoted cyberterrorism, jailed a prominent opposition leader, and murdered those who oppose and publicize corruption.

From Washington Post

On Tuesday the government published a new cyberterrorism law that makes it illegal to use telecommunications to post “offensive” material that disrupts public order or hurts the “prestige” of the country.

From New York Times

The decree also bans “cyberterrorism” aimed at subverting order or destabilizing the country, categorizing it as a crime of “very high” danger.

From Seattle Times

But we must also find solutions to the climate crisis, to cyberterrorism, to our energy needs, as well as preparing for the coming of AI.

From Scientific American