ransomware gang
Encrypt-and-extort criminals
A ransomware gang is a criminal organization that deploys malicious software to encrypt victims' computer systems, then demands payment—usually in cryptocurrency—for the decryption key.
These groups often operate like businesses, with specialized roles and customer service for victims.
Some maintain leak sites to pressure targets by threatening to publish stolen data: The ransomware gang gave the hospital 72 hours to pay before releasing patient records.
- hackerUnauthorized system accessor
- cyberattackMalicious digital intrusion
- extortionObtaining through threats
- encryptedTransformed into cipher
- darkwebEncrypted, anonymous internet layer
breach · phishing · criminal · hostage · decrypt · payment · anonymous · demand · threat · data · network · exploit · infiltrate · victim · cryptocurrency · underground · syndicate · blackmail
- criminalsmurderer, thief, burglar, criminal, killer
- Hackershacker, black hat, cracker, script kiddie, hacktivist
ransomware ganghumanitarian group
Organization providing crisis relief
ransom, ransomware, ransomed, ransoming, ransoms, ware, wares, warehouse, software