[Crawl-Date: 2026-04-19]
[Source: DataJelly Visibility Layer]
[URL: https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/ransomware]
---
title: What Is Ransomware?
description: A type of malware that encrypts a victim's files and demands payment (ransom) to restore access. Ransomware attacks can cripple businesses by making criti...
url: https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/ransomware
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og_title: What Is Ransomware?
og_description: A type of malware that encrypts a victim's files and demands payment (ransom) to restore access. Ransomware attacks can cripple businesses by making criti...
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---

# What Is Ransomware?
> A type of malware that encrypts a victim's files and demands payment (ransom) to restore access. Ransomware attacks can cripple businesses by making criti...

---

Security

Beginner
## What Is Ransomware?
What Is Ransomware? Ransomware a type of malware that encrypts a victim's files and demands payment (ransom) to restore access. Ransomware attacks can cripple businesses by making critical data inaccessible.

## Why This Matters for Your Business
The average ransomware payment in Canada exceeded $250,000 in 2024, and paying doesn't guarantee data recovery. Ransomware can shut down operations for weeks, destroy client trust, and trigger regulatory penalties. Prevention through backups, endpoint protection, and employee training is far cheaper than recovery.

## Related Security Terms

[Beginner
## 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
A security process that requires users to provide two different authentication factors to verify their identity. This typically combines something you know (password) with something you have (phone) or something you are (fingerprint).](https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/2fa) [Intermediate
## DLP (Data Loss Prevention)
A strategy and set of tools to prevent sensitive data from being lost, misused, or accessed by unauthorized users. DLP software detects potential data breaches and prevents them by monitoring, detecting, and blocking sensitive data.](https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/dlp) [Intermediate
## EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)
A cybersecurity solution that continuously monitors and responds to potential threats on endpoints like computers and servers. EDR tools detect, investigate, and respond to suspicious activities in real-time.](https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/edr) [Intermediate
## Encryption
The process of converting data into a coded format that can only be read by someone with the correct decryption key. Encryption protects sensitive information from unauthorized access.](https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/encryption)

[RAM (Random Access Memory)Previous](https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/ram) [All Terms](https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary) [Release ManagementNext](https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/release-management)

## Need Help With Security?

Our team can help you understand and implement the right technology solutions for your business. Get expert guidance from local IT professionals.

[Schedule a Consultation](https://griffinitgroup.com/contact) [Call (289) 667-4000](tel:+12896674000)

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