# CERT

/ˈsɝt/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cert
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

Stands for Computer Emergency Response Team. A group of experts who help protect computer systems and respond to security problems. You might hear this name when a company gets hacked or has a major software bug.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Computer Emergency Response Team. A team of security professionals responsible for identifying, managing, and mitigating cyber threats. Capitalised when naming specific national or corporate entities.

## Examples

- The company contacted the CERT after the data breach.
- The national CERT issued an urgent warning about a new vulnerability in common web browsers.
- Establishing a dedicated CERT allows an organization to centralize its incident response capabilities and maintain a more robust defensive posture against evolving digital threats.

## Usage notes

- Often used as an acronym for 'Computer Emergency Response Team'; frequently functions as a collective noun.

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