What is Ransomware in Cybersecurity?
Offensive Security
Version 1.0 · Published April 2026 · Last verified April 2026
How is it pronounced?
RAN-sum-wair/ˈræn.səm.wɛər/
Malware that encrypts a victim's files or locks their system and demands payment (usually cryptocurrency) for the decryption key. Modern ransomware groups also steal data and threaten to publish it (double extortion). Ransomware spreads through phishing, exposed RDP, and supply chain compromises.
Why Ransomware Matters for Your Cybersecurity Career
Ransomware is the most financially destructive cybersecurity threat facing organizations today. Incident responders handle ransomware events as their highest-priority cases. SOC analysts monitor for ransomware indicators like mass file encryption and C2 traffic. CISOs must build ransomware preparedness programs including offline backups, tabletop exercises, and incident response retainers.
Which Cybersecurity Roles Use Ransomware?
Related Cybersecurity Terms
Related Cybersecurity Certifications
Malware that encrypts a victim's files or locks their system and demands payment (usually cryptocurrency) for the decryption key. Modern ransomware groups also steal data and threaten to publish it (double extortion). Ransomware spreads through phishing, exposed RDP, and supply chain compromises.
Ransomware is the most financially destructive cybersecurity threat facing organizations today. Incident responders handle ransomware events as their highest-priority cases. SOC analysts monitor for ransomware indicators like mass file encryption and C2 traffic. CISOs must build ransomware preparedness programs including offline backups, tabletop exercises, and incident response retainers.
Cybersecurity professionals who work with Ransomware include Incident Responder, SOC Analyst, Chief Information Security Officer. These roles apply Ransomware knowledge within the Offensive Security domain.
Sources
Definitions are original explanations written for career development purposes. For authoritative technical definitions, refer to NIST, ISO, or the relevant standards body.
Last verified: April 2026?Report an inaccuracy
Related Resources
Related Cybersecurity Career Guides
Related Cybersecurity Certifications
Was this page helpful?
Get cybersecurity career insights delivered weekly
Join cybersecurity professionals receiving weekly intelligence on threats, job market trends, salary data, and career growth strategies.
Get Cybersecurity Career Intelligence
Weekly insights on threats, job trends, and career growth.
Unsubscribe anytime. More options