Topic starter
Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that locks or blocks access to your data or system and demands payment (a ransom) to restore access.
How ransomware works (step-by-step)
1. Infection
Ransomware usually enters a system through:
- Phishing emails (malicious attachments or links)
- Downloading unsafe software
- Visiting compromised websites
- Exploiting system vulnerabilities
2. Installation
Once inside, the ransomware installs itself silently on your device without your knowledge.
3. Encryption or Locking
The malware then:
- Encrypts your files (documents, photos, databases), or
- Locks your entire system
Encryption means your files become unreadable without a special decryption key.
4. Ransom Demand
After locking your data, you’ll see a message like:
- “Your files are encrypted”
- “Pay X amount (often in cryptocurrency) to get them back”
5. Payment Pressure
Attackers often:
- Set deadlines
- Threaten to delete data
- Sometimes threaten to leak sensitive information
Types of ransomware
- Crypto ransomware – encrypts files
- Locker ransomware – locks the device
- Double extortion – encrypts data and threatens to leak it
Posted : 09/04/2026 11:00 pm
