cyber defense

noun

plural cyber defenses also cyberdefenses
1
: steps or measures taken to protect online resources (such as a computer network or database) against unauthorized access or attack : cybersecurity
… the cost of cyberattacks—from business disruption and lost data to system downtime, damage to your company's reputation and even legal liability—is higher than ever. Cyber defense needs to be a major component of your business strategy. Chron.com
Officials said that while traditionally cities and local governments took an independent approach to cyber defense and protecting technology, "acting alone is no longer optimal." Zak Failla
State lawmakers similarly have cyberdefense in focus, allocating approximately $18 million of a $64.1 billion supplemental budget package toward higher education cybersecurity training programs. Greg Mason
2
: the capability to resist cyberattacks
The behavior of employees is also critical for an organization's cyber defense since 82% of data breaches in 2021 involved a "human element." Parvinder Walia
3
cyber defenses also cyberdefenses plural : the software, hardware, etc. used to protect against cyberattacks
Biden issued an urgent warning to American business leaders yesterday, telling them to strengthen their companies' cyber defenses immediately. Alexandra Meeks
Ukraine has been deliberate about creating a volunteer force of hackers, offering rewards for those who can pinpoint flaws in Russian cyberdefenses. Cora Engelbrecht

Examples of cyber defense 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.
The move represents the first major example of the country’s cyber defense agency accommodating President Donald Trump’s false claims of election fraud and online censorship. Eric Geller, WIRED, 15 Feb. 2025 In December, Argentinian Defense Minister Luis Petri went to Israel to sign a multi-year cooperation agreement focusing on joint projects in cyber defense, drones, border protection, satellite communications and more. Jta Staff Report, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2025 That means more money going toward buying AI-enabled cyber defense and building new products to fight AI-enabled cyber threats. Sam Sabin, Axios, 21 Jan. 2025 Kristi Noem is ready to shake up the nation’s cyber defense agency. Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for cyber defense 

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cyber defense was in 1995

Dictionary Entries Near cyber defense

Cite this Entry

“Cyber defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyber%20defense. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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