ransomware /ˈɹænsəmˌwɛə(ɹ)/ noun2 •Malware that holds the data of a computer user for ransom, usually requiring or claiming to require payment to restore access.The amount of money generated by ransomware schemes would appear to be quite small given their lack of popularity and the asking price in ransom notes […] — 2008 •(disapproving) Software that is released as open source only in exchange for payment. formsransomwares