ITGSS Certified Technology Specialist

Which statement accurately describes ransomware's function?

1. It is an antivirus solution to protect against malware

2. It encrypts files, rendering them unusable until a ransom is paid

3. It provides password protection for sensitive files

4. It detects security vulnerabilities in software

The correct answer is: It encrypts files, rendering them unusable until a ransom is paid

Ransomware is designed specifically to compromise data by encrypting files on a victim's system. Once the encryption process has been completed, the user is locked out of their files and cannot access them without a decryption key. This key is typically held by the attackers, who demand a ransom payment in exchange for restoring access to the files. The nature of ransomware highlights its malicious intent; it does not offer any protective measures like antivirus solutions or password security. Instead, it takes away control over one's data, making option B the most accurate description of its function. This type of cyber threat emphasizes the importance of having strong backup solutions and security measures to mitigate the impact of such attacks.