Question

Malware that locks or prevents a device from functioning properly until a fee has been paid is known as:

a. lock-ware
b. ransomware
c. stealware
d. hostageware

Answer 1

Ransomware is malware that locks or prevents a device from functioning properly until a fee has been paid. It is a type of malicious software that typically encrypts the victim's data, making it inaccessible, and demands a ransom in exchange for restoring access. Malware that demands a fee to unlock or decrypt a victim's device or data is called ransomware. It is a security threat that encrypts or restricts access to the user's system until a ransom is paid, typically in cryptocurrency.

Step-by-step explanation:

Malware that locks or prevents a device from functioning properly until a fee has been paid is known as ransomware. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts the user's data or locks them out of their device, demanding payment for the decryption key or to remove the restriction. Victims are typically instructed to pay a ransom, often in a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, to regain access to their systems or data.