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. )

Example Sentences

During the 2021 ransomware attack on JBS Foods, meat processing operations stopped even though animals, workers, and facilities were all in place.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

The Los Angeles County Superior Court was hit by a ransomware attack in 2024 that infected its computer system with damaging software, forcing it to shut down for two days.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

A month after Synapse collapsed, Evolve was hit by a ransomware attack that leaked the personal data of 7.6 million customers, according to a government report.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

AFP was granted a look inside the global organisation's multi-pronged cybercrime facility, where specialists pore through massive amounts of data in a bid to prevent the next big ransomware attack or impersonation scam.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

That’s where the Keezel 2.0 Online Protection Device comes in so handy: this one sleek gadget protects you from everything to ransomware and hackers — and it includes a free lifelong VPN plan.

From Salon • Aug. 26, 2019