What type of malware steals data and demands a ransom for its return?

Ransomware is a type of malware that specifically takes control of a victim's data, encrypts it, or locks the user out of their system, then demands a ransom for its release. This form of attack poses a significant threat to individuals and organizations alike, as it can lead to the loss of access to critical information, potential data breaches, and financial harm if the ransom is paid.

When evaluating this type of malware, it's important to note that ransomware typically targets sensitive information and can spread through various means such as phishing emails or malicious downloads. The primary goal of ransomware is financial gain through extortion.

Other types of malware, such as adware, systematically display unwanted advertisements but do not steal data or demand ransom. Spyware secretly monitors user activities and collects personal information but does not necessarily hold data hostage. Trojans masquerade as legitimate software but are designed to gain unauthorized access to systems; while they can facilitate further attacks, they do not inherently hold data for ransom. Therefore, the characteristics of ransomware clearly distinguish it as the type of malware that steals data and demands payment for its return.