How does ransomware work?

Ransomware primarily functions by encrypting data on a system, making it inaccessible to the user or organization. Once the encryption process is complete, the attacker typically presents a ransom note demanding payment—often in cryptocurrency—before they will provide the necessary decryption key to restore access to the files. This method of attack exploits the user's reliance on their data, effectively holding it hostage until the demanded payment is made.

Understanding the nature of ransomware is crucial for developing effective prevention and response techniques. This growth in cybersecurity awareness emphasizes the importance of regular backups, updates, and precautionary measures to protect data from being locked by ransomware. While options such as stealing user credentials or deleting files can represent different types of cyber threats, the characteristic that defines ransomware is its unique mechanism of data encryption and ransom demands.