Which statement best describes ransomware?

Study for the Cybercrime Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations, to prepare for your exam! Master cybercrime prevention and stay ahead of threats.

Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes ransomware?

Explanation:
Ransomware works by encrypting files to make them unreadable and then demanding payment in exchange for a decryption key. That combination of denying access to data and extorting the victim is the defining behavior of this malware type. Other descriptions point to different threats: self-replication by attaching to files is characteristic of viruses or worms, hiding inside legitimate software describes a trojan, and stealing user credentials aligns with spyware or credential-theft malware. So the statement about encryption and a ransom demand captures what ransomware does and why it’s distinguished from other malware.

Ransomware works by encrypting files to make them unreadable and then demanding payment in exchange for a decryption key. That combination of denying access to data and extorting the victim is the defining behavior of this malware type. Other descriptions point to different threats: self-replication by attaching to files is characteristic of viruses or worms, hiding inside legitimate software describes a trojan, and stealing user credentials aligns with spyware or credential-theft malware. So the statement about encryption and a ransom demand captures what ransomware does and why it’s distinguished from other malware.

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