(NBC News) Experts are warning consumers everywhere about a new epidemic that has taken cyber security world by storm.
Ransomware is a type of hacking where the hackers themselves take control of the content on the victim’s computer, only offering access after the victim has paid a fee, or “ransom”.
“It’s not an annoying popup. It’s not that they installed a software program that you don’t want. They’ve actually taken all of your stuff away from you and they’re not going to give it back unless you pay,” said Ian Sherr, Executive Editor for CNET.
This type of hacking has been used to extort money out of both large corporations and everyday users.
