In early May 2017, a global ransomware attack occurred using ransomware known as WannaCry, which, by some estimates, impacted close to a quarter of a million computers in as many as 150 countries. Since then, a ransomware variant called Petya has emerged and is also responsible for affecting computers across the globe.
Ransomware is a type of cyberextortion malware “that infects a computer and restricts a user’s access to the infected computer.” The malware is used to extort money from victims by indicating that the victim’s computer has been locked or access to files has been denied and demanding a ransom to restore access.