# ransomware

CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ransomware
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a type of harmful computer program that locks your files or computer. The people behind it demand money from you before they will let you access your data again.

For teachers: malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or data until a sum of money is paid. Often involves the encryption of files by a remote attacker.

## Examples

- The hospital had to pay a fee to remove the ransomware.
- After the ransomware attack, the company's IT department spent weeks restoring data from offline backups to avoid paying the hackers.
- The rise of untraceable cryptocurrencies has facilitated a global surge in ransomware, as attackers can now extort large corporations with a significantly lower risk of being caught by international authorities.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.