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Cybersecurity vocabulary · Malware

Ransomware

Meaning in cybersecurity, with examples

/ˈrænsəmwer/nounCore term

In cybersecurity, ransomware means: Malware that encrypts a victim's files or systems and demands a payment, usually in cryptocurrency, in exchange for the key to unlock them.

In Turkish: fidye yazılımı

How it is used

Common in news, board meetings and incident reports. People speak of a ransomware attack, a ransom note and a ransom demand. Many groups now also steal data before encrypting it and threaten to publish it, which is called double extortion.

Example sentences

  1. The ransomware encrypted the file servers overnight, but the backups were offline and safe.

  2. Our tabletop exercise this year is based on a ransomware scenario.

Common collocations

  • ransomware attack
  • ransomware group
  • ransom note
  • double extortion
  • recover from ransomware
  • malwareShort for 'malicious software': any program written to damage systems, steal data, spy on users or take control of a device without permission.
  • backupA copy of data or systems kept separately so that it can be restored if the original is lost, damaged or encrypted by an attacker.
  • encryptionThe process of turning readable data into a scrambled form that only someone with the right key can turn back into its original form.
  • incidentAn event that threatens or harms the confidentiality, integrity or availability of systems or data, such as a malware infection or an unauthorised login.
  • disaster recoveryThe plans and processes for restoring IT systems and data after a serious disruption, such as a ransomware attack, a fire or a data-centre failure.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Malware

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