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

The federal task force typically briefs Congress on upcoming threats and engages with state and local leaders to game out scenarios ranging from ransomware to critical infrastructure attacks on Election Day.

From Salon • May 21, 2026

And a business is certainly what ransomware outfits are.

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

During the 2021 ransomware attack on JBS Foods, meat processing operations stopped even though animals, workers, and facilities were all in place.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

AFP was granted a look inside the global organisation's multi-pronged cybercrime facility, where specialists pore through massive amounts of data in a bid to prevent the next big ransomware attack or impersonation scam.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026