ransomware

American  

[ran-suhm-wair] / ˈræn səmˌwɛər /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of ransomware

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ransomware

A simple Google search of this management software continues to show on-going issues due to outages, ransomware breaches, cyberattacks and tech glitches that caused global classes and exams to need rescheduling.

From Salon ● Aug. 24, 2026

Don’t let a ransomware attack bankrupt your company.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 9, 2026

Demand for its products is growing due to the rise of both AI ransomware and AI data centers, Powell said.

From Barron's ● May 7, 2026

Early ransomware attempts were not without teething troubles.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 6, 2026

Moving forward, Hultquist is concerned that more aggressive and dangerous actors will mass exploitation campaigns involving ransomware and extortion.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 18, 2026