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

Japanese beer giant Asahi said Thursday it was not negotiating with the hackers behind a "sophisticated and cunning" ransomware attack that is about to enter its third month.

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The drinks company published a statement on its investigation into the ransomware attack, which had crippled its operations across its factories in Japan and forced employees to take orders by pen and paper.

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He says ransomware was harder work but the money was good.

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A data theft and extortion attack is far easier to recover from, for example, than a ransomware attack which scrambles a victim's computer network.

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Maintenance and construction contractor Dodd Group confirmed it suffered a ransomware incident and it was taking the claims "extremely seriously".

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