What is Ransomware & The Origins of Ransomware? The idea behind ransomware, a type of malicious software, is simple. It locks and encrypts the data on the victim's computer or device, then demands a ransom and restores access.Victims often have to make payments to cyber criminals within a certain period of time, or they may become permanently inaccessible. Also, because cyberattacks are often implemented by cyber snows, paying a ransom does...