Which of the following best describes ransomware?

Ransomware is best described as an advanced type of malware because it specifically refers to malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or data until a sum of money is paid. This form of malware typically encrypts files on the user's system, making them inaccessible. Ransomware attacks often target individuals and organizations by demanding a ransom to restore access to the encrypted data, which can lead to significant data loss and financial damage if the ransom is either not paid or the attackers do not provide a decryption key afterward.

While network security aims to protect systems from such malware, and data encryption is a technique that can be used legitimately for security, ransomware leverages these concepts in a malicious manner. Backing up data is certainly a critical strategy for mitigating the impact of ransomware, but it does not accurately define what ransomware is. Hence, the characterization of ransomware as advanced malware captures its complexity, sophistication, and the growing threat it poses in the cybersecurity landscape.