SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/secplus-ransomware-availability

Malware that encrypts your files and demands payment for the decryption key is called what?

Ransomware, encrypting data to take away availability.

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  1. Ransomware ✔
  2. Spyware
  3. Bloatware

Why: Ransomware makes files unusable until a ransom is paid. Tested offline backups let you restore your data without paying.

Huh, didn't know that: MITRE ATT&CK lists this behavior as Data Encrypted for Impact, aimed at interrupting availability.

The dad joke
Ransomware sent a note: pay up or your files stay locked. My backups replied, we are good, thanks.
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References

Answer: Ransomware. Ransomware makes files unusable until a ransom is paid. Tested offline backups let you restore your data without paying.

  1. MITRE ATT&CK T1486, Data Encrypted for Impact attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1486
    Adversaries may encrypt data on target systems or on large numbers of systems in a network to interrupt availability to system and network resources.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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