Ransomware is vicious malware that locks users out of their devices or blocks access to files until a sum of money or ransom is paid. Phishing emails, compromised websites and free software are just a few ransomware tools hackers can use to extort you. Attacks cause downtime, data loss, possible intellectual property theft, and in certain industries an attack is considered a data breach. Ransomeware can take many different forms, but when you boil it down, it’s a simple concept to understand: ransomware is a hostage situation.”]
Source: https://www.bankinfosecurity.com/whitepapers/ransomware-hostage-rescue-manual-w-4492