💡 A ransomware attack is a type of cyberattack in which malicious software encrypts an organization's data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid. This type of attack can also create a denial-of-service (DoS) threat, as the organization is unable to access its own systems or data due to the encryption. The goal of ransomware is typically financial gain for the attacker, who demands payment in exchange for the decryption key.