What is Ransomware?

Ransomware infects your computer or mobile device, locking you out until you pay a ransom.

Ransomware is a form of malicious software, or malware, which restricts access to your computer or mobile device or encrypts data until you pay a ransom in exchange for accessing your device or data again.

Two forms of ransomware are currently the most widely used around the world: locker and crypto ransomware. Locker ransomware locks you out of basic computer functions, forcing you to pay a ransom to regain control. Crypto ransomware, on the other hand, encrypts sensitive data like documents and important files, threatening to destroy them unless you pay a fee.

Ransomware is a serious threat that can affect you and all computer and mobile device users. But by knowing how to avoid it and by using up-to-date security software, you can stay safe.