Definition of "ransomware" [ransomware]

• Malware that holds the data of a computer user for ransom. (noun)
• Software that is released as open source only in exchange for payment. (noun)

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• "They were victims of a Trojan horse virus called ransomware, which kidnaps documents and encrypts them, meaning users can no longer access their files unless they pay the demand by credit card."
• "According to Computerworld, this type of scam is a new one in the world of "ransomware" - the practice of holding hostage a computer system or the data it contains, and then extorting money from its rightful owner."
• "Furthermore, these syndicates employing rogue anti-malware programs have turned from mining personal financial data with these crimeware programs to an extortion model whereby the attackers demand ransom for unlocking a PC that has been infected with so-called ransomware code masquerading as anti-virus software."