ransomware

[ ran-suhm-wair ]

/ ˈræn səmˌwɛər /

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noun Digital Technology.

malware planted illegally in a computer or mobile device that disables its operation or access to its data until the owner or operator pays to regain control or access.

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Origin of ransomware

First recorded in 2005–10; ransom + -ware

Words nearby ransomware

rank scale, rankshift, ransack, ransom, Ransome, ransomware, rant, rant and rave, Rantoul, ranula, ranula pancreatica

How to use ransomware in a sentence

It’s thought to be the second time in recent years that the company has been hit by ransomware.
CD Projekt hit by ransomware attack, refuses to pay ransom|Zack Whittaker|February 9, 2021|TechCrunch
Back in November, Capcom announced that personal data for up to 350,000 people may have been revealed by a "customized ransomware attack" on its systems.
Capcom confirms at least 16,000 people affected by Nov. data breach|Kyle Orland|January 12, 2021|Ars Technica
If a ransomware attack disabled the operations of dozens of hospitals at this moment of maximum vulnerability, the impact would be profound.
The hacker ‘ceasefire’ with hospitals is over—and that should terrify us|jakemeth|December 9, 2020|Fortune
Opportunistic criminals have also targeted stressed hospitals with ransomware attacks.
Hackers accessed documents on covid-19 vaccines|Patrick Howell ONeill|December 9, 2020|MIT Technology Review

Earlier in October, facilities in Oregon, New York, Michigan, Wisconsin and California also fell prey to suspected ransomware attacks.
Hospitals fighting COVID face another challenge: Hackers|Verne Kopytoff|December 5, 2020|Fortune
Ransomware “gangs” are successfully extorting $5 million a year, Symantec estimates.
Ransomware Scams Prey on Your Sense of Guilt to Open Your Wallet|Winston Ross|August 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Ransomware also can find people in other cyber back alleys, too: illegal music and movie downloaders are common targets.
Ransomware Scams Prey on Your Sense of Guilt to Open Your Wallet|Winston Ross|August 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Early ransomware attacks did attempt to live up to their name.
Ransomware Scams Prey on Your Sense of Guilt to Open Your Wallet|Winston Ross|August 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST