cyber-terrorist

A cyber-terrorist is a criminal who uses computer technology and the Internet, especially to cause fear and disruption. Some cyber-terrorists spread computer viruses, and others threaten people electronically.

When a crime involves computers, particularly a crime that terrorizes, or threatens real harm or significant disruption, its perpetrator is a cyber-terrorist. Cyber-terrorists might have ideological or religious reasons for wanting to terrorize, and others do it for personal gain. While this kind of crime is new and rare, governments fear that cyber-terrorists could disrupt a country's economy in the near future. The prefix cyber is used here because the terrorist attacks or uses technology.