Final answer:
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a victim's files and demands a ransom for the decryption key. It often spreads through phishing emails and can cause significant harm to individuals, businesses, and governments.
Step-by-step explanation:
An attack that uses phishing techniques along with specialized forms of malware to encrypt the victim's data files is known as ransomware. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that denies access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid. Hackers often use social engineering tactics like phishing emails to trick victims into opening an infected attachment or link that installs the ransomware.
Hackers have various methods to compromise security, including phishing and deployment of ransomware to encrypt files, causing severe disruptions. These attacks can target individuals, businesses, and even governments, leading to data breaches, identity theft, financial theft, and interference in important civic processes like elections.
While cybersecurity efforts have increased, including measures such as two-factor authentication and strong password policies, the threat of ransomware remains significant. Education on avoiding scams and implementing robust security measures is essential to protect against these malicious attacks.