What is ransomware?

Ransomware is specifically categorized as a type of malware that infiltrates a computer system with the intention of encrypting files or locking users out of their systems. Once the files are encrypted, the attacker demands a ransom payment from the victim to restore access to their data. This method of extortion can be particularly damaging to individuals and organizations, as it not only disrupts access to critical files but can also lead to the potential loss of sensitive data if the ransom is not paid and the decryption key is not received.

Understanding the nature of ransomware is crucial in the field of data security, as it highlights the importance of having robust security measures, regular backups, and user education regarding safe online practices to mitigate the risks associated with such attacks. The other options represent different concepts in cybersecurity but do not accurately describe ransomware; they relate to protective measures and tools, rather than describing the malicious behavior of the ransomware itself.