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

With 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

Today'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

Examples of ransomware in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The industry learned that lesson with ransomware and other threats. — Rick Vanover, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

That likely limits exploitation to insiders or attackers, such as nation-states or ransomware operators, who manage to gain low-level access inside a network and are looking for a way to elevate system rights. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 27 Oct. 2026

The bill came after Park Hill School District suffered a ransomware attack. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026

Cybercrime—from SMS phishing and ransomware to fake businesses moving real (and illicit) cash—has been with us in all sorts of forms since the earliest days of the internet. — Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

2005, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ransomware

• aftercare
• anywhere
• billionaire
• chinaware
• debonair
• dinnerware
• disrepair
• doctrinaire
• earthenware
• everywhere
• frigidaire
• kitchenware