TechnologyAugust 28, 2026

cyberespionage

SY-ber-ES-pee-uh-nahzh

Definition

The act of using computers, networks, or digital tools to secretly obtain classified or sensitive information for strategic, political, or economic advantage.

Etymology

A modern compound formed by combining 'cyber-' (relating to computers or networks) and 'espionage' (the practice of spying), which itself derives from the French 'espionnage' and the older Italian 'spionaggio'.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe professional operations by state-affiliated actors who use sophisticated malware and AI-assisted development to secretly monitor and infiltrate target organizations.

China's AI-Enabled APT Operations Are Getting Interesting

Read the full article ↗

Lawfare

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