cyberattacked
Hit by hackers
Cyberattacked describes having been the target of a malicious digital assault—hacking, data theft, ransomware, or disruption of computer systems: The hospital was cyberattacked and couldn't access patient records.
The term is newer than cyberattack itself, emerging as organizations needed past-tense language for incidents that were once hypothetical.
Made vulnerable to harm
- infiltratedEntered covertly, secretly
- breachedBroke past a barrier
- intrusionUnauthorized entry into space
- unauthorized accessEntry without permission
penetration · exploit · vulnerability · zero-day · backdoor · rootkit · cracking · brute force
Invaded by pathogens
- virusMicroscopic infectious agent
- wormLimbless soil invertebrate
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- spywareHidden surveillance program
botnet · keylogger · payload · malicious code · adware · rootkit · backdoor · antivirus
Backed by national authorities
- DDoSTraffic flood attack
- denial of serviceAttack disabling network access
- critical infrastructureEssential services and facilities
- nation-stateSovereign political territory
espionage · sabotage · disruption · attribution · retaliation · power grid · election interference · information warfare
Manipulating people for information
- scamDishonest money-making scheme
- spoofingFraudulent imitation
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
- spear phishingPersonalized digital deception attack
whaling · impersonation · fake website · malicious link · identity theft · fraud · pretexting · baiting
compromised
Made vulnerable to harm
- infiltratedEntered covertly, secretly
- breachedBroke past a barrier
- intrusionUnauthorized entry into space
unauthorized access · penetration · exploit · vulnerability · zero-day · backdoor · rootkit · cracking · brute force · credential theft
infected
Invaded by pathogens
- virusMicroscopic infectious agent
- wormLimbless soil invertebrate
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
spyware · botnet · keylogger · payload · malicious code · adware · rootkit · backdoor · antivirus · quarantine
state-sponsored
Backed by national authorities
- DDoSTraffic flood attack
- denial of serviceAttack disabling network access
- critical infrastructureEssential services and facilities
nation-state · espionage · sabotage · disruption · attribution · retaliation · power grid · election interference · information warfare
social engineering
Manipulating people for information
- scamDishonest money-making scheme
- spoofingFraudulent imitation
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
spear phishing · whaling · impersonation · fake website · malicious link · identity theft · fraud · pretexting · baiting · vishing
cyberattackedunbreached
Not penetrated or violated
secure · protected · defended · unhacked · safeguarded