Ransomware is best described as?

• A. A program that scans networks for vulnerabilities
• B. A routine to back up data
• C. A malicious software used for cyberextortion; it encrypts a victim's files until a sum of money is paid to allow the victim to regain access
• D. A tool for data restoration

Answer: (C)

Ransomware is malicious software designed to extort money by denying access to the victim’s data. It typically infiltrates a system and encrypts files, making them unusable until the attacker provides a decryption key after a payment. This behavior—encryption of someone’s data as a coercive demand for money—fits the concept of cyberextortion, not simply scanning for weaknesses, backing up data, or restoring data. The other descriptions refer to legitimate or defensive tools: scanning for vulnerabilities, performing backups to protect data, or restoring data after loss, none of which involve coercing payment through encryption. Paying ransom is risky and not a reliable or ethical solution, which is why the ransomware description is the best fit.