ALSO CALLED: Data Protection, Data-security, Data Theft, and Secure Data
DEFINITION: Ransomware is a type of malware used for data kidnapping, an exploit in which the attacker encrypts the victim's data and demands payment for the decryption key. A ransomware program can be installed from an e-mail attachment, an infected program, or a compromised or malicious Web site. Data kidnapping is not new, but has in the past  … 
Definition continues below.

DATA SECURITY DEFINITION (continued): …  usually targeted businesses rather than individuals. Malware used for this purpose is sometimes called a cryptovirus, cryptotrojan or cryptoworm.

In March 2006, ransomware known as Crypzip or Zippo circulated to private users on the Internet. Recipients of the Trojan horse program also received an e-mail demanding $300, to be paid by electronic transfer, for the key required to unlock all their files. Security firm LURHQ, who discovered the exploit, said it was based on a similar scam conducted 15 years ago.

Ransomware is said to … 
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