Cybercriminal: meaning, definitions and examples

👾
Add to dictionary

cybercriminal

 

[ ˈsaɪbərˌkrɪmɪnl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

online crime

A person who carries out illegal activities on the internet, such as hacking, data theft, or online fraud. Cybercriminals often target individuals, businesses, or organizations to exploit vulnerabilities in their cybersecurity defenses.

Synonyms

cyber attacker, hacker, online criminal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cybercriminal

This term is used generally to describe someone who commits crimes using digital technologies and the internet. It is a formal term often used in legal or technical contexts.

  • The cybersecurity team is working to identify the cybercriminal responsible for the data breach.
  • Law enforcement agencies are collaborating internationally to capture cybercriminals.
hacker

A hacker is someone skilled in using computers, often to explore and exploit systems. This term can have both positive (e.g., ethical hackers who help improve security) and negative connotations (e.g., black hat hackers who engage in malicious activities).

  • The hacker was able to bypass the secure login system.
  • Many companies hire ethical hackers to find weaknesses in their security protocols.
cyber attacker

This term specifically refers to individuals or groups conducting deliberate attacks to compromise digital systems or networks. It emphasizes the act of attacking rather than the criminal identity.

  • The company suffered a severe financial loss due to a cyber attacker infiltrating their systems.
  • Cyber attackers often target outdated software vulnerabilities.
online criminal

This term is similar to cybercriminal but emphasizes that the crime is committed through the internet. It's a more casual term and might be used in media or by the general public.

  • Online criminals are increasingly targeting social media accounts.
  • The online criminal was caught after they attempted to sell stolen information on the dark web.

Examples of usage

  • Many cybercriminals use sophisticated techniques to breach online security systems.
  • Law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to track down cybercriminals and bring them to justice.

Translations

Translations of the word "cybercriminal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cibercriminoso

🇮🇳 साइबर अपराधी

🇩🇪 Cyberkrimineller

🇮🇩 penjahat siber

🇺🇦 кіберзлочинець

🇵🇱 cyberprzestępca

🇯🇵 サイバー犯罪者

🇫🇷 cybercriminel

🇪🇸 ciberdelincuente

🇹🇷 siber suçlu

🇰🇷 사이버 범죄자

🇸🇦 مجرم إلكتروني

🇨🇿 kyberzločinec

🇸🇰 kyberzločinec

🇨🇳 网络犯罪分子

🇸🇮 kibernetski kriminalec

🇮🇸 netbrotamaður

🇰🇿 киберқылмыскер

🇬🇪 კიბერდამნაშავე

🇦🇿 kiber cinayətkar

🇲🇽 ciberdelincuente

Etymology

The term 'cybercriminal' emerged with the rise of the internet and digital technology. As online activities expanded, so did the opportunities for illegal activities. Cybercriminals exploit the anonymity and global reach of the internet to commit various crimes, ranging from financial fraud to identity theft. The history of cybercrime traces back to the early days of the internet, with each advancement in technology presenting new challenges for law enforcement and cybersecurity experts.

See also: cyberbully, cyberbullying, cyberspace.