cyber

The word “cyber” means relating to computers, the internet, or digital technology. In plain terms, a shorthand word or prefix for anything to do with computers, the internet, or digital technology.

“Cyber” is pronounced SEYE-buh (/ˈsaɪ.bəɹ/ in IPA).

Here is “cyber” used in a sentence: “The company hired a team to handle cyber threats.”

Depending on how it is used, “cyber” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “cyber” comes from Ancient Greek. Clipped from cybernetics, which itself comes from Ancient Greek kubernetes ("steersman, pilot") — the same root as "govern.".

“Cyber” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Cyber” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to computers, the internet, or digital technology.

Both. Cyber began as a combining form in words like cyberspace and cybersecurity, but it now stands alone as an adjective, as in "cyber threats," and as a noun for digital and internet-related matters, especially security, as in "a career in cyber."

Digital is the broad adjective for anything involving computer technology, from digital photos to digital banking. Cyber is narrower and now leans toward internet and security contexts, as in cyber attack, cyber crime, and cyber defence.

Both spellings are in wide use and style guides differ, but the one-word form cybersecurity is increasingly common, matching established closed forms like cyberspace and cybercrime. Whichever you choose, keep it consistent within a document.

Cyber is clipped from cybernetics, the science of communication and control systems in machines and living things. From there it spread as a prefix, and later a standalone word, for anything relating to computers and the internet.