“Ransomware is a type of malware that has become a significant threat to U.S. businesses and individuals during the past two years. Most of the current ransomware variants encrypt files on the infected system/network (crypto ransomware), although a few variants are known to erase files or block access to the system using other methods (locker ransomware). Once access to the system is blocked, the ransomware demands a ransom in order to unlock the files, frequently $200 – $3,000 in bitcoins, though other currencies and gift cards are occasionally reported. Ransomware variants almost always opportunistically target victims, infecting an array of devices from computers to smartphones.”*
Learn more facts, threats, and countermeasures on the CIS site.
*Excerpt from www.cisecurity.org