ransomware

6 synonyms for ransomware, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — Malicious software that locks a computer or scrambles the files on it so the owner cannot open them, and then demands a payment in exchange for restoring access.

Synonyms

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

crypto-malware extortion malware ransom malware cryptoware ransomware attack cyber-extortion

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun computing

Malicious software that locks a computer or scrambles the files on it so the owner cannot open them, and then demands a payment in exchange for restoring access.

“The hospital cancelled appointments for three days after ransomware locked its booking system.”

crypto-malware extortion malware ransom malware cryptoware

2. noun computing

An individual attack or incident carried out with such software.

“The council is still recovering from a ransomware that hit over the bank holiday.”

ransomware attack cyber-extortion

How to use ransomware

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

ransomware attack hit by ransomware ransomware strain deploy ransomware ransomware gang

Standard in security, journalism and business writing. Uncountable in most uses ('hit by ransomware'), though 'a ransomware attack' and the plural 'ransomwares' for distinct strains both occur in technical writing.

Etymology

A blend of ransom and software, following the pattern of malware and spyware.

Full origin of ransomware →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ransomware and a computer virus?

Both are types of malicious software, but a virus is defined by how it spreads: it attaches itself to other files or programmes and copies itself. Ransomware is defined by what it does once it is inside: it blocks access to data and demands payment. A piece of ransomware may or may not spread like a virus.

Does paying the ransom get the files back?

Not necessarily. Payment depends entirely on the attacker choosing to hand over a working decryption key, and there is no mechanism that obliges them to. Some organisations that have paid have recovered their data, others have received nothing or only partial recovery.

What does it mean when ransomware is described as 'double extortion'?

Double extortion means the attacker copies the data out of the network before scrambling it. The victim is then pressed twice: once to unlock the files, and again to stop the stolen copy being published or sold.

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of ransomware