Ransomware

Definitions

1. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a victim's files, databases, or entire systems and demands a ransom payment (typically in cryptocurrency) in exchange for the decryption key. Modern ransomware attacks often follow a double-extortion model, where attackers both encrypt the data and exfiltrate copies, threatening to publish sensitive information if the ransom is not paid. The attack typically begins with a phishing email, an exploited vulnerability, or compromised remote access credentials. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) operations like LockBit, BlackCat, and REvil provide ready-made ransomware tools to affiliates in exchange for a percentage of ransom payments. High-profile attacks have disrupted hospitals, fuel pipelines (Colonial Pipeline, 2021), schools, and city governments. Defenses include regular offline backups, network segmentation, endpoint detection and response (EDR), multi-factor authentication, patching, and incident response planning. Law enforcement agencies generally advise against paying ransoms, as payment funds criminal operations and does not guarantee data recovery.

   In plain English: Malicious software that locks up all your files and demands money to unlock them — like a digital kidnapper holding your data hostage.

Etymology

1989

AIDS Trojan — the first ransomware — distributed via floppy disk at a WHO conference

2013

CryptoLocker brings modern ransomware to the masses

2017

WannaCry cripples the NHS and spreads worldwide

2021

Colonial Pipeline attack triggers US executive order on cybersecurity

Related Terms

• Cryptojacking
• Incident Response
• Data Breach
• CryptPad
• Data Encryption
• Data Security
• File Encryption

Collections Including This Term

• Security Jargon Decoded