What is the malicious software used to carry out ransom attacks called?

Ransomware specifically refers to a type of malicious software designed to infiltrate a computer system, encrypt the user's data, and demand a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key needed to restore access to that data. This form of attack effectively holds the victim's data hostage, making it a targeted, coercive tactic used by cybercriminals to extort money.

The distinction between ransomware and other types of malicious software is critical for understanding cybersecurity threats. For instance, while malware is a broad category encompassing various types of malicious software—including ransomware, adware, and spyware—ransomware is distinct in its primary function of extorting funds through encryption.

Adware and spyware serve different purposes; adware typically bombards users with unwanted advertisements, while spyware secretly collects user information without consent. These types of software do not specifically involve the encryption and ransom demand that characterize ransomware attacks. Therefore, the specificity of ransomware in the context of ransom attacks makes it the correct answer to the question.