Ransomware is a type of malicious software that prevents users from accessing their system or encrypting their files until a ransom is paid. Paying the ransom, however, does not guarantee that the users will get the decryption key to regain access. A device is infected when a victim visits a website, clicks a link, or installs a file, program, or application that contains malicious code to download and install the ransomware. Ransomware can remain dormant on a device until it is at its most vulnerable and then execute an attack. According to IBM, ransomware attacks cost organizations an average of $4.62 million per breach in 2021, not including the cost of the ransom demand itself.
