Which type of malware encrypts a victim's files and demands payment to restore access?

Which type of malware encrypts a victim's files and demands payment to restore access?

• A. Worm
• B. Ransomware attack
• C. Spyware
• D. Adware

Answer: (B)

Ransomware is malware that encrypts files on a victim’s system, making them unusable, and then demands payment to provide a decryption key and restore access. The attacker relies on the promise of recovery after payment, and the encryption is what makes the data inaccessible in the first place. This differs from a worm, which focuses on spreading itself across networks; spyware, which covertly steals data; and adware, which displays unwanted ads. So the scenario described points to ransomware as the type of malware.

Ransomware is malware that encrypts files on a victim’s system, making them unusable, and then demands payment to provide a decryption key and restore access. The attacker relies on the promise of recovery after payment, and the encryption is what makes the data inaccessible in the first place. This differs from a worm, which focuses on spreading itself across networks; spyware, which covertly steals data; and adware, which displays unwanted ads. So the scenario described points to ransomware as the type of malware.