ransomware
noun
ran·som·ware
ˈran(t)-səm-ˌwer 
: malware that requires the victim to pay a ransom to access encrypted files
In September of 2013, security for small accounting offices changed forever with the appearance of a new class of threats called ransomware. … you open a file attached to an innocent-looking e-mail, and the program encrypts key files and drives so they cannot be accessed. The files are locked until you pay a ransom.—
Dave Mcclure
Dave McclureWith ransomware, a hacker slips into a system, then puts encryption controls in place that locks users out. The hackers then demand money to "unlock" the data.—Elizabeth Millard
Elizabeth MillardToday's ransomware scammers often demand payment in bitcoin because the digital currency is easy to use, fast and provides a heightened anonymity for the scammers, according to the FBI warning.—Susan Tompor
Susan TomporExamples of ransomware in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Nevertheless, the research shows how open-source large language models could unleash new forms of disturbing and powerful ransomware attacks.
—PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
The automaker is the latest British company to be hit by a cybersecurity incident in recent months amid a surge in cyber and ransomware attacks globally, as increasingly sophisticated threat actors disrupt operations and compromise sensitive data.
—Pushkala Aripaka, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Finally, the company also learned its AI was used by someone with minimal technical skills to code up ransomware packages, which were then sold online to other cybercriminals for up to $1,200.
—Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
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Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Nevertheless, the research shows how open-source large language models could unleash new forms of disturbing and powerful ransomware attacks.
—PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
The automaker is the latest British company to be hit by a cybersecurity incident in recent months amid a surge in cyber and ransomware attacks globally, as increasingly sophisticated threat actors disrupt operations and compromise sensitive data.
—Pushkala Aripaka, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Finally, the company also learned its AI was used by someone with minimal technical skills to code up ransomware packages, which were then sold online to other cybercriminals for up to $1,200.
—Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ransomware
Cite this Entry
“Ransomware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ransomware. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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