noun

ransomware

RAN-sum-wair

Ransomware (noun) means 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. Example: “The hospital cancelled appointments for three days after ransomware locked its booking system.”

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."

"A single infected attachment let the ransomware spread across every machine on the network."

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."

How to Use Ransomware

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA nasty programme that locks up your files and asks for money to unlock them.

When to use it

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.

Memory tip

Say 'hit by ransomware', not 'hit by a ransomware', unless you mean one specific named strain.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

malware → spyware → virus → phishing →

Common pairings

ransomware attack hit by ransomware ransomware strain deploy ransomware ransomware gang

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The hospital cancelled appointments for three days after _____ locked its booking system.

Etymology

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

Origin: English

Synonyms

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

Rhymes for ransomware

are dare care hare mare fare bare rare ware gare share snare

See all rhymes for 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.