ransomware

Definitions

A type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or files until a sum of money is paid.

Digital extortion software that encrypts a victim's data and demands payment for the decryption key.

Examples

The hospital's computer systems were paralyzed after a sophisticated ransomware attack.

Cybersecurity experts recommend regular data backups to mitigate the impact of potential ransomware infections.

The company refused to pay the ransom demanded by the hackers after their servers were encrypted by ransomware.

Synonyms

extortion software malicious encryption digital kidnapping cyber extortion cryptoviral extortion data hostage software

Antonyms

data backup cybersecurity data protection system restoration encryption security digital defense