Quick Definition
Ransomware is a type of malware that, when installed on a computing system, prevents further work from being done on the system or data from being accessed until a ransom is paid.
Often the ransom is requested by wire transfer, and in some cases paying the ransom does not result in the restoration of system or data access.
Ransomware has become an increasingly common form of attack in recent years, particularly targeting users at bureaucratic organizations where data is critical yet expertise may be limited, such as local and regional government agencies.
