What is a characteristic of ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that specializes in denying access to data or files, typically by encrypting them and then demanding a ransom payment from the victim to restore access. The essential characteristic of ransomware is its extortion model: users are effectively held hostage until they pay the demanded fee. This aspect distinguishes ransomware from other types of malware, as its primary goal is monetary gain through coercive tactics.

While other types of malicious software may exhibit different behaviors, such as collecting user data or exploiting network vulnerabilities, these are not defining characteristics of ransomware itself. Ransomware specifically focuses on the act of leveraging data access against a ransom, which makes this answer the most accurate reflection of its core function.