What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is malware that infects, locks or takes control of your system to extort money from you. Ransomware is also known as "malicious software. " It's a kind of malware that infects, locks or takes control of your system to extort money from you. The attacker then requests a financial payment to undo the malicious action. Some ransomware includes instructions for paying the ransom, but other versions don't provide details about how to pay for your system to be unlocked. The name "ransomware" comes from its practice of asking for payment to release an infected computer or device from being locked by malware. We all know ransomware as the scourge of our digital age. What is ransomware, and how does it works? Ransomware is malware that infects your computer and encrypts your data, then holds that data hostage until you pay a fee. Ransomware targets computers and mobile devices but can also impact network-attached storage (NAS) devices. The attacker typically uses social engineering tactics to trick users into downloading the malicious software. They may also exploit operating system vulnerabilities or applications to access their victims' systems. Once installed, the malware encrypts files on a computer and then displays a ransom note demanding in exchange for the decryption key needed to unlock those files. The ransom note may include instructions on making payment, typically through bitcoin, and may threaten to leak, break data or sell it on the dark web if the ransom is not paid within a specified time frame. Ransomware is a nasty little thing. It's like a virus that infects your computer, then holds you hostage, until you pay up. Don't worry. There's a way out! Ransomware can be distributed through malicious email attachments and infected downloads, but it also appears on compromised websites. The attacker will typically demand payment in a specific cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, to avoid detection through conventional follow-the-money tracing methods used by law enforcement.