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. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ransomware

This hack wasn’t about extortion or ransomware, either.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 10, 2026

Incident responders such as Adair say that AI tools are now being used by nation-state hackers from China and Russia as well as criminals looking to steal data and install ransomware.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 24, 2026

There has been no painful attack like the ransomware we saw knock out M&S and JLR in 2025.

From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2026

Don’t let a ransomware attack bankrupt your company.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 9, 2026

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

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