What is ransomware?

In plain English, with no jargon: it’s a digital padlock on your own files. Criminals sell you the key—in cryptocurrency—to unlock your own data.

Yesterday they stole your suitcase. Today they chain it to a pole and charge you for the combination.

Serious hat on: ransomware is a kind of malware (malicious software) that encrypts your files and demands payment. These days they also steal your data and threaten to publish it—double extortion. Some gangs add a third punch: they knock your website offline or harass your customers to crank up the pressure—triple extortion.

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)? Think fast-food franchise, but evil. Big cybercrime crews build the software, then rent it to affiliates. They offer manuals, “tech support,” and payment portals—everything a small business would—just on the dark side. You no longer need to be a Dr. Evil. You can just subscribe to a monthly crime kit. Yikes.