Cyberattack

Definition - What does Cyberattack mean?

A cyberattack is deliberate exploitation of computer systems, technology-dependent enterprises and networks. Cyberattacks use malicious code to alter computer code, logic or data, resulting in disruptive consequences that can compromise data and lead to cybercrimes, such as information and identity theft.

Cyberattack is also known as a computer network attack (CNA).

Techopedia explains Cyberattack

Cyberattacks may include the following consequences:

Identity theft, fraud, extortion
Malware, pharming, phishing, spamming, spoofing, spyware, Trojans and viruses
Stolen hardware, such as laptops or mobile devices
Denial-of-service and distributed denial-of-service attacks
Breach of access
Password sniffing
System infiltration
Website defacement
Private and public Web browser exploits
Instant messaging abuse
Intellectual property (IP) theft or unauthorized access

The Institute for Security Technology Studies at Dartmouth University researches and investigates cyberattack issues facing law enforcement investigations and focuses on the continuous development of IP tracing, data analysis, real-time interception and national data sharing.