cybercrime
SY-ber-kryme
/ˈsaɪbərkraɪm/
Criminal activities carried out by means of computers or the internet.
An umbrella term that covers everything from digital stalking to large-scale financial fraud.
The story behind the word. The prefix 'cyber-' comes from 'cybernetics,' a term coined by Norbert Wiener in 1948, derived from the Greek 'kybernetes' meaning 'steersman' or 'pilot.' It was later popularized by science fiction to describe anything related to computers and the internet, eventually merging with 'crime' as digital offenses became prevalent in the 1990s.
Word relationships
- e-crime: A more informal or business-oriented term for the same concept.
- digital crime: Focuses more on the medium (digital) rather than the 'cyber' prefix.
Word family
- cybercriminal (noun): A person who commits cybercrimes.
Collocations
- combat cybercrime
- cybercrime investigation
- victim of cybercrime
Example sentences
- "The rise of cybercrime has forced international police agencies to collaborate more closely than ever before." A news report on international law enforcement.
- "The convention aims to harmonize national laws on cybercrime and improve investigative techniques." A legal definition from a government document.
Memory hook
Think of a 'cyber' pilot steering a ship into 'crime' territory. Steering into digital trouble.
When not to use
Avoid using it for simple physical thefts of computers; it specifically refers to crimes committed within the digital realm.
Fun facts
- The first recorded cybercrime occurred in 1834 when two brothers hacked the French telegraph system to steal financial market information.
Explore more words
cybersecurity, Cyberwarfare, cyberbullying, identity theft, theft, malware
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