Cybersecurity / Glossary

Ransomware

Ransomware is malware that encrypts your files or systems and demands payment to unlock them, often while threatening to publish stolen data.

Ransomware usually gets in through phishing, stolen logins or unpatched systems, then spreads to every drive and share it can reach.

Many groups now steal data before encrypting it, so they can threaten to leak it as well.

The best protection is prevention plus a tested backup kept offline. Paying doesn't guarantee your files come back. If you're hit, disconnect and report it.