CY glossary terms

Browse full definitions for every CY term in the Amicus glossary.

Cyber

/ˈsaɪbər/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Relating to computers, information technology, or virtual reality, especially concerning legal issues.
    The company implemented new cyber security policies to protect client data.
  2. (n.) A prefix used in compound words to denote a relationship to the internet or digital technology in legal contexts, such as cybercrime or cybersecurity.
    Cybercrime laws have evolved to address new types of digital offenses.

Commentary

Often used as a prefix or adjective in legal contexts to specify issues originating from or involving digital or virtual environments.


Cyber Harassment

/ˈsaɪbər ˈhærəsmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The use of electronic communication to harass, intimidate, or threaten an individual or group, often through repeated messaging or online behavior causing distress or fear.
    The victim filed a police report after experiencing persistent cyber harassment on social media.
  2. (n.) A form of harassment that occurs via digital platforms, encompassing actions such as cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and online threats that violate legal protections.
    Laws against cyber harassment aim to protect individuals from harmful digital conduct.

Forms

  • cyber harassment

Commentary

Cyber harassment definitions often overlap with related offenses; legal provisions may vary by jurisdiction in scope and penalty.


Cyber Law

/ˈsaɪbər lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The branch of law that deals with legal issues related to the use of the internet, digital communication, and computer technology.
    Cyber law governs online privacy and data protection regulations.
  2. (n.) Legal regulations concerning cybersecurity, cybercrimes, and digital transactions.
    Laws against hacking and online fraud fall under cyber law.

Forms

  • cyber law
  • cyber laws

Commentary

Cyber law encompasses distinct but overlapping areas, requiring precise terminology to address emerging technological and legal challenges.


Cyber Liability

/ˈsaɪbər laɪəˈbɪləti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Legal responsibility arising from harm or damages related to digital activities, data breaches, or cyber attacks.
    The company faced significant cyber liability after the data breach exposed customers' personal information.
  2. (n.) Insurance coverage that protects against losses resulting from cyber incidents.
    They purchased cyber liability insurance to mitigate financial risks from potential hacking.

Forms

  • cyber liability

Commentary

Cyber liability often involves complex issues of data protection, making precise contract language and understanding of regulatory obligations crucial.


Cyber Warfare

/ˈsaɪbər ˈwɔːrˌfɛər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The use of digital attacks by one state or non-state actor against another to disrupt, damage, or gain advantage in military, political, or economic contexts.
    The government charged the hacker with engaging in cyber warfare against critical infrastructure.
  2. (n.) A domain of armed conflict involving computer networks, encompassing both offensive and defensive operations under international law.
    International law struggles to define the limits of cyber warfare and state responsibility.

Forms

  • cyber warfare

Commentary

Cyber warfare is recognized in legal scholarship as an extension of armed conflict into cyberspace, raising complex issues of sovereignty, jurisdiction, and the applicability of international humanitarian law.


Cyberattack

/ˈsaɪbərˌæˌtæk/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An intentional act of targeting computer systems or networks to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access, often involving hacking or malware.
    The company suffered a cyberattack that compromised sensitive customer data.

Forms

  • cyberattacks

Commentary

In legal texts, 'cyberattack' often underpins discussions on liability, regulation, and criminal prosecution related to unauthorized digital intrusions.


Cyberbullying

/ˈsaɪbərˌbʊliɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature, recognized as a form of harassment under various legal frameworks.
    The school implemented policies to address cyberbullying among students.

Commentary

Cyberbullying laws often hinge on defining intent and the medium of communication; precise language helps differentiate it from general online misconduct.


Cybercourt

/ˈsaɪbərkɔːrt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A judicial body operating primarily via electronic means to adjudicate disputes or legal matters online.
    The parties agreed to submit their contract dispute to the cybercourt for faster resolution.

Forms

  • cybercourt
  • cybercourts

Commentary

Cybercourts emphasize use of digital technology to provide judicial services remotely, often improving accessibility and efficiency in dispute resolution.


Cybercrime

/ˈsaɪbərˌkraɪm/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Criminal activities carried out using computers or the internet, including hacking, identity theft, and online fraud.
    The company invested heavily in cybersecurity to prevent cybercrime.

Commentary

Cybercrime encompasses a broad range of illegal acts conducted via digital means; precise legal definitions may vary by jurisdiction.


Cybercrime Legislation

/ˈsaɪbərkraɪm ˌlɛdʒɪsˈleɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A body of laws aimed at preventing, penalizing, and regulating criminal activities conducted via computers or the internet.
    Cybercrime legislation is essential to address offenses like hacking and identity theft.
  2. (n.) Statutory provisions establishing penalties and enforcement mechanisms for offenses involving digital technology and networks.
    The enactment of cybercrime legislation has strengthened national security measures.

Forms

  • cybercrime legislation

Commentary

Cybercrime legislation frequently evolves to address emerging technologies; drafters should ensure adaptability and clear definitions of offenses.


Cyberlaw

/ˈsaɪbərlɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The body of law governing activities, rights, and responsibilities in cyberspace and the internet.
    Cyberlaw addresses issues such as data privacy, cybercrimes, and intellectual property online.

Commentary

Cyberlaw is an interdisciplinary legal area addressing regulation of online actions and technologies; definitions may vary by jurisdiction but generally encompass internet governance, cybersecurity, and related digital rights.


Cybersecurity

/ˌsaɪbərsɪˈkjʊərɪti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Measures and protocols designed to protect computer systems, networks, and electronic data from unauthorized access, cyberattacks, damage, or theft, relevant in law for compliance, risk management, and liability issues.
    The company implemented strict cybersecurity policies to comply with data protection laws.

Commentary

Cybersecurity in legal contexts often intersects with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, emphasizing compliance and liability for data breaches.


Cybersecurity Act

/ˌsaɪbərˌsɪˈkjʊərəti ækt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legislative act enacted to establish legal frameworks, standards, and measures for protecting information systems and data against cyber threats and attacks.
    The Cybersecurity Act mandates organizations to implement minimum security controls to safeguard sensitive information.

Forms

  • cybersecurity act
  • cybersecurity acts

Commentary

The term generally refers to specific national or regional statutes focused on cybersecurity and may vary by jurisdiction. When drafting, clarify the jurisdiction and scope for precision.


Cybersecurity Framework

/ˌsaɪbərˈsɪkjʊrɪti ˈfreɪmwɜrk/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A structured set of guidelines and best practices designed to manage and reduce cybersecurity risks within an organization.
    The company adopted the cybersecurity framework to improve its defenses against data breaches.
  2. (n.) An official publication or model framework, often by governmental or standards bodies, that helps organizations align their cybersecurity policies with regulatory requirements.
    Compliance with the NIST cybersecurity framework is mandatory for contractors working with the federal government.

Forms

  • cybersecurity framework
  • cybersecurity frameworks

Commentary

Legal drafting referencing cybersecurity frameworks should clarify which specific established framework is in use, as different jurisdictions and industries may mandate particular standards.


Cybersecurity Law

/ˌsaɪbərˈsɛkjʊrɪti lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The body of laws, regulations, and legal standards governing the protection of computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats and attacks.
    The company ensured full compliance with cybersecurity law to safeguard customer information.

Forms

  • cybersecurity law
  • cybersecurity laws

Commentary

Cybersecurity law often intersects with data protection and privacy laws and evolves rapidly due to technological advancements and emerging threats.


Cybersecurity Legislation

/ˌsaɪ.bər.sɪˈkjʊər.ɪ.ti ˌlɛdʒ.ɪˈsleɪ.ʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Laws and regulations designed to protect computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
    The government introduced new cybersecurity legislation to enhance data protection and prevent hacking.

Forms

  • cybersecurity legislation
  • cybersecurity legislative acts

Commentary

Cybersecurity legislation often overlaps with data protection and privacy laws; drafters should clearly define scope and enforcement mechanisms to avoid ambiguity.


Cybersecurity Policy

/ˌsaɪbərˈsɪkjʊrɪti ˈpɒlɪsi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal document adopted by an organization outlining rules, practices, and procedures to protect computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
    The company updated its cybersecurity policy to address emerging ransomware threats.

Forms

  • cybersecurity policy

Commentary

Cybersecurity policies serve as the foundation for legal compliance and risk mitigation in information technology governance.


Cybersecurity Regulation

/ˌsaɪbərˈsɛkjʊrɪti ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Legal rules and standards designed to protect computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
    The company updated its operations to comply with new cybersecurity regulations.
  2. (n.) Governmental or regulatory frameworks mandating security measures for information technology and data privacy.
    Cybersecurity regulation requires critical infrastructure providers to report incidents promptly.

Forms

  • cybersecurity regulation

Commentary

Cybersecurity regulation often intersects with privacy and data protection laws and requires clear drafting to specify scope, obligations, and enforcement mechanisms.


Cyberspace

/ˈsaɪbərˌspeɪs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The virtual, digital environment created by interconnected computer networks, especially the internet, where electronic communication and data exchange occur.
    The contract was executed entirely within cyberspace through electronic signatures.
  2. (n.) A conceptual realm used in law to discuss jurisdiction, privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property issues arising from online activities.
    Jurisdictional challenges in cyberspace complicate enforcement of international IP rights.

Commentary

The term cyberspace is pivotal in legal contexts addressing electronic communications, digital transactions, and online conduct, often influencing jurisdictional and regulatory frameworks.


Cyberspace Law

/ˈsaɪbərspeɪs lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Branch of law governing legal issues related to the internet, digital communication, and online activities.
    Cyberspace law addresses data privacy, intellectual property, and cybercrime.
  2. (n.) Area of law concerned with regulation and rights involving computer networks and virtual environments.
    Disputes over online contracts are often resolved under cyberspace law.

Forms

  • cyberspace law

Commentary

Cyberspace law is interdisciplinary, adapting traditional legal principles to novel online contexts; clarity in terms and jurisdiction is critical.


Cybersquatting

/ˈsaɪbərˌskwɒtɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The bad-faith registration, trafficking in, or use of a domain name with the intent to profit from the goodwill of someone else's trademark.
    The company filed a lawsuit against the defendant for cybersquatting on its trademarked name in domain registrations.

Forms

  • cybersquatting

Commentary

Cybersquatting often involves legal action under the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act; precise intent and goodwill elements are crucial in drafting claims.


Cyberstalking

/ˈsaɪbərˌstɔːkɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The use of the internet, email, or other electronic communications to harass, threaten, or stalk an individual unlawfully.
    The defendant was charged with cyberstalking after sending repeated threatening messages online.

Forms

  • cyberstalking

Commentary

Cyberstalking statutes often complement traditional stalking laws by addressing harassment through electronic means; clear definitions of repeated behavior and intent are critical for legal sufficiency.


Cyberwarfare

/ˈsaɪbərˌwɔːrfɛr/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The use of digital attacks by a state or non-state actor to damage, disrupt, or gain advantage in the context of armed conflict.
    The treaty aimed to regulate cyberwarfare to prevent attacks on critical infrastructure.

Commentary

Legal definitions of cyberwarfare often overlap with traditional concepts of armed conflict, requiring careful distinction in international law regarding attribution and proportionality.


Cycle

/ˈsaɪkəl/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A series of events that recur regularly or a complete sequence of legal or procedural actions.
    The contract includes a renewal cycle every three years.
  2. (v.) To perform a series of actions regularly or repeatedly, often in a prescribed order, especially in procedural or bureaucratic contexts.
    The board cycle through several proposals before making a decision.

Forms

  • cycles
  • cycled
  • cycling

Commentary

In legal drafting, 'cycle' often refers to recurring legal periods or procedural sequences; clarity on the timeframe or nature of the cycle is essential to avoid ambiguity.

Glossary – CY Terms