cryptoware Definition

Cryptoware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a victim's files or system and demands payment for the decryption key. It typically employs advanced crypto techniques to protect its own code and to obfuscate its attack vectors. Cryptoware can lead to significant data loss and financial damage, as victims may find their only recourse is to pay the ransom to retrieve encrypted files, which is often in the form of cryptocurrencies.