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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Digital security: Older adults are a frequent target of cybercrime. Joseph Coughlin, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 There’s a growing collaboration between hacking groups engaging in espionage on behalf of nation-states and those seeking financial gains through ransomware and other forms of cybercrime, researchers noted this week. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 13 Feb. 2025 The Department of Justice has charged two Russian nationals with allegedly operating a cybercrime group that used ransomware to attack hundreds of U.S. entities, making over $16 million in the process. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2025 According to cybersecurity expert Punit Gupta, mitigation of cybercrime begins with an awareness of vulnerability while working remotely. William Jones, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cybercrime

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cybercrime was in 1991

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Cite this Entry

“Cybercrime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cybercrime. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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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