Ransomware

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A category of harmful computer programs that restrict access to files or systems by encrypting data and demanding payment for restoration
2. A form of cyber threat that prevents users from accessing their data or systems and seeks monetary compensation for regaining that access
3. A type of malicious software that denies users access to their files or systems by encrypting them and requiring payment for decryption

Etymology: "Ransomware" is a compound of "ransom" and "-ware." The ransom half descends from Latin "redemptio," meaning a buying back, which passed through Old French "raençon" and Middle English "raunsoun" before becoming English "ransom," the price paid to free a captive. The "-ware" half comes from Old English "waru," meaning goods or wares, the same root that gave us "software" and "hardware." The formation follows a familiar pattern: "software" was coined on the model of "hardware," and "-ware" came to mean a category of computer programs. "Ransomware" combines that programming sense with the older idea of a payment demanded to release something held hostage. The malicious program holds a user's files captive, and the attacker demands payment as the price of their return.

Synonyms: malware, virus, trojan