Ransomware
Malware that encrypts victim files or locks systems and demands a ransom payment for decryption. Modern ransomware groups also exfiltrate data and threaten to publish it if the ransom is not paid (double extortion).
Extended Explanation
Ransomware has become one of the most damaging cyber threats, with attacks costing organizations millions of dollars in ransom payments, downtime, and recovery. Common infection vectors include phishing emails, exploited vulnerabilities, and compromised remote access services. Prevention strategies include regular backups, network segmentation, endpoint detection, and employee security awareness training.
Related Terms
Backup
data-protectionThe process of creating copies of data to protect against loss from hardware failure, ransomware, accidental deletion, o...
Encryption
data-protectionThe process of converting plaintext data into an unreadable format (ciphertext) using mathematical algorithms and keys....
Malware
malwareMalicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. Malware includes viruse...
Phishing
phishingA cyberattack that uses fraudulent emails, text messages, or websites to trick people into revealing sensitive informati...