noun

ransomware

ransomware

The company was a victim of a ransomware attack.

The company was a victim of a ransomware attack.

Ransomware encrypts files and demands a payment.

Ransomware encrypts files and demands a payment.

((uncountable)) a type of malicious software The best defense against ransomware is regular backups.

malware, spyware, trojan horse

A portmanteau of 'ransom' (money demanded for releasing a captive) and 'software'.

Imagine software that takes your files hostage and demands a 'ransom' to get them back.

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