Which term refers to malware that encrypts files, demanding ransom for access?

• A. Fileless Malware
• B. Ransomware
• C. Patch Management
• D. Full Encryption

Answer: (B)

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files, rendering them inaccessible, and then demands payment—often in cryptocurrency—for the decryption key to restore access. This behavior—encrypting data and holding it hostage until a ransom is paid—is the defining trait of ransomware, which is why it’s the best fit for the description.

Understanding the alternatives helps solidify the distinction. Fileless malware operates in memory and uses legitimate tools to carry out actions, often avoiding traditional file-based traces; encryption can be a tactic, but encryption and ransom are not what definesfileless malware. Patch management is a defensive practice focused on applying software updates to fix vulnerabilities, not a type of malware at all. Full encryption describes the act of encrypting data (sometimes used by ransomware, sometimes for legitimate purposes) but it’s a general term rather than the name of a malicious category; it doesn’t inherently imply the extortion aspect.

So the term that best matches malware that encrypts files and demands ransom is ransomware.