ransomware

[ran-suhm-wair]

noun

Digital Technology.

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ransomware¹

First recorded in 2005–10; ransom ( def. ) + -ware ( def. )

Example Sentences

Travellers were delayed at a number of European airports in September after a ransomware attack disrupted check-in and boarding software.

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The force said it received a referral from the Action Fraud cyber crime reporting service on 25 September detailing a ransomware attack.

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In 2020 a gang using Dopplepaymer ransomware gifted their encryption key to a German hospital after the chaos contributed to the death of an emergency care patient.

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Part of the issue is that hackers have become more aggressive, prepared to target critical national infrastructure, or cripple health organizations with ransomware.

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"We've seen some low claims from ransomware gangs before, but this feels like an entirely different level," she said.

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