Introduction
Ransomware has become one of the most serious cybersecurity threats for businesses and individuals alike. You might have heard of it in the news — a hospital locked out of its files, a company forced to halt operations, or a user losing access to years’ worth of personal data. But what exactly does ransomware do, and why is it so damaging?
This article explains how ransomware works, what it targets, and what really happens once it infects your device — so you can better understand the threat and how to protect yourself from it.
What Is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that locks or encrypts your files or entire system. Once your device is infected, the attacker demands a ransom — usually in cryptocurrency — in exchange for a decryption key or the return of your data.
If you don’t pay the ransom (and you shouldn’t), you risk losing access to your data permanently. But even if you do pay, there’s no guarantee the attacker will keep their word.
What Happens During a Ransomware Attack?
Here’s a breakdown of what ransomware does once it enters your system:
1. Infection and Initial Access
Ransomware usually enters your computer through:
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Phishing emails with infected attachments or links
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Malicious websites or pop-up ads
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Fake software updates or cracked downloads
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Vulnerable network systems (especially Remote Desktop Protocol)
Once the user interacts with the infected file or link, the ransomware installs itself silently and begins working in the background.
2. File Encryption or Lockdown
The main function of ransomware is to encrypt your files — meaning it scrambles the content so that you can’t access it without a special key.
It often targets:
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Documents
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Photos and videos
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Databases
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System files
In some cases, the ransomware locks your entire screen, making it impossible to access anything on the device.
File names may also change — often showing random characters or a new extension like .locked, .encrypted, or .crypt.
3. Disabling Security Measures
Many ransomware variants try to:
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Disable antivirus software
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Delete shadow copies or backups
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Block access to task manager and system tools
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Spread to other devices on the same network
This gives the attacker more control and limits your ability to stop the infection or recover your data.
4. Ransom Note Appears
Once the encryption is complete, the ransomware displays a ransom message on your screen. This note usually includes:
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A demand for payment (typically in Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency)
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Instructions on how to pay
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A time limit before the data is deleted or the ransom increases
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Sometimes, a “test” option to decrypt one file as proof
The tone is often urgent and threatening — designed to push victims into paying quickly.
5. Optional: Data Theft or Double Extortion
Modern ransomware doesn’t just lock your data — it can also steal it before encryption.
In this case, attackers threaten to publish your sensitive files online if the ransom isn’t paid. This tactic, called double extortion, adds extra pressure — especially for businesses handling confidential customer or financial information.
What Does Ransomware Do to Businesses?
The damage caused by ransomware goes far beyond locked files. For businesses, it can mean:
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Downtime – Systems and operations may be unavailable for days or even weeks
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Data loss – Especially if backups are missing or compromised
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Financial loss – From ransom payments, legal costs, or loss of business
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Reputation damage – Customers lose trust if their data is exposed
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Compliance issues – Especially if data privacy laws are violated
Recovering from a ransomware attack can take weeks and cost thousands — even if no ransom is paid.
What About Personal Users?
For individuals, ransomware can lock:
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Personal photos and videos
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Financial records
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School or work documents
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Passwords or saved credentials
If backups aren’t available, the data may be lost forever. Paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee recovery and may lead to further targeting.
Can Ransomware Be Removed?
Yes, but removal doesn’t always restore the encrypted data. Here's what you can do:
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Run antivirus or anti-malware tools to remove the infection
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Use a clean backup to restore your files
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Check for free decryptors — Some ransomware strains have known solutions (e.g., from No More Ransom)
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Reinstall the operating system if needed
Avoid paying the ransom — there’s no guarantee, and it fuels future attacks.
Conclusion
Ransomware is a powerful and dangerous type of malware that locks your files, demands payment, and threatens your digital safety. It spreads quietly, encrypts data quickly, and can leave both personal users and businesses facing serious consequences.
But knowing what ransomware does — and how it works — is the first step to defending against it. By practicing safe browsing, avoiding suspicious links, keeping backups, and using strong security tools, you can protect yourself from being a victim of one of the most destructive cyber threats in the world.
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