Cyber Attack

Primary definition

An attack, via cyberspace, targeting an enterprise's use of cyberspace for the purpose of disrupting, disabling, destroying, or maliciously controlling a computing environment/infrastructure; or destroying the integrity of the data or stealing controlled information. (CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR) Deliberate exploitation of computer systems, digitally-dependent enterprises and networks to cause harm . ( UK 2016)

Also known ascyberattack · cyber-attack · cyber warfare · cyberwarfare · cyber offensive · digital attack · network attack · cyber intrusion · cyber exploit · cyber threat · cyber incident · cyber operation · cyber strike · cyber assault · cyber breach · cyber sabotage · cyber espionage · cybercrime · hacking · data breach · DDoS · phishing · malware attack · ransomware attack · zero-day attack · APT · cyber campaign
1 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 10, 2026
The Cyber GlossaryView source

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TCG

An attack, via cyberspace, targeting an enterprise's use of cyberspace for the purpose of disrupting, disabling, destroying, or maliciously controlling a computing environment/infrastructure; or destroying the integrity of the data or stealing controlled information. (CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR) Deliberate exploitation of computer systems, digitally-dependent enterprises and networks to cause harm . ( UK 2016)

The Cyber Glossary · 2024

Cite this term

Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Cyber Attack. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/cyber-attack

Sources

1 cited · last checked Aug 10, 2026

01

The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary

Single-source

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