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Ransomware

Malware that encrypts data and demands payment for decryption — often with data-theft extortion.

Modern ransomware operations run double-extortion campaigns: encrypt systems for operational disruption, exfiltrate data for leak-site pressure. Many now run as Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), with affiliates handling intrusion.

The 2026 threat picture includes agentic AI-driven variants (like JADEPUFFER) that operate with limited human oversight.

Related terms

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