Ransomware is malicious software designed to encrypt or lock computer files or entire systems in order to extort a ransom from the victims. Only then is the encrypted data restored and access to the system released.
Ransomware is an extremely harmful form of cyberattack that can cause considerable damage, such as financial losses or data breaches. However, paying the ransom is not recommended as it offers no guarantee of data recovery and encourages the criminals to continue carrying out such attacks.
To protect yourself from ransomware, you should take regular security measures, such as updating software, using antivirus programs or creating backups of important data.