What type of malicious software encrypts data to render it inaccessible?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software specifically designed to encrypt a victim's data, making it inaccessible. The primary goal of ransomware is to extort money from individuals or organizations by demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key that will restore access to the encrypted data. It typically spreads through phishing emails or malicious downloads, targeting both personal and enterprise systems.

In contrast, other types of malware serve different functions. For example, viruses attach themselves to legitimate programs and replicate, often causing damage to files and systems but not primarily encrypting data for a ransom. Worms are similar but can spread across networks without needing to attach to another program, focusing on replication rather than locking files. Trojan horses disguise themselves as legitimate software to trick users into downloading them, but they do not inherently encrypt data for ransom. Understanding these distinctions highlights the unique threat posed by ransomware in the realm of cybersecurity and data protection.