What Is Ransomware? A Complete Beginner-to-Pro Guide 2026,
AI Cyberattacks on Small Business: The 2026 Survival GuideWhy Cybersecurity Is Critical for Businesses of All Sizes1. What Is Ransomware? Ransomware is a type of malicious software that locks you out of your files, systems, or data and then asks for a ransom payment, usually in a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, to get back in.Malware called “ransomware” infects computers and other devices and holds data hostage by encrypting files or locking users out of systems. If you don’t pay the ransom, which is usually in the form of bitcoin, the people who attacked you say they would either delete or share your data.Hackers can easily lock up your data. They ask for help with money. <!doctype html> Cybersecurity Protection Layers Multi-layered defense architecture Malware Phishing DDoS Ransomware SQL Injection Social Eng. Firewall …