ransomware

noun

ran·som·ware ˈran(t)-səm-ˌwer

: malware that requires the victim to pay a ransom to access encrypted files

In September of 2013, security for small accounting offices changed forever with the appearance of a new class of threats called ransomware. … you open a file attached to an innocent-looking e-mail, and the program encrypts key files and drives so they cannot be accessed. The files are locked until you pay a ransom.—

Dave Mcclure

With ransomware, a hacker slips into a system, then puts encryption controls in place that locks users out. The hackers then demand money to "unlock" the data.—

Elizabeth Millard

Today's ransomware scammers often demand payment in bitcoin because the digital currency is easy to use, fast and provides a heightened anonymity for the scammers, according to the FBI warning.—

Susan Tompor

Examples of ransomware in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Today’s manufacturing plants—powered by distributed IoT systems and vulnerable to costly shutdowns if a single machine is knocked offline—are prime targets for ransomware attacks. —

Chris Turlica, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The ransomware group known as Scattered Spider, which is responsible for highly disruptive extortion attacks against victims including MGM Entertainment and Caesars Entertainment, is among several criminal subgroups linked to the Com. —

Matt Burgess, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024 The group's activities have drawn comparisons to the Vice Society ransomware group, with some security experts suggesting that Rhysida may be a rebrand or offshoot. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 More than 100 million individuals had their private health information stolen during February’s ransomware attack on Change Healthcare, a unit of the U.S. health insurance provider. —

Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ransomware