Definition: Ransomware

Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts a victim’s files. The attacker then demands a ransom from the victim to restore access to the data upon payment. 

Users are shown instructions for how to pay a fee to get the decryption key. The costs can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands, typically payable to cybercriminals in hard to trace cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin.

Posted in Definition.