← VCE Cyber Security

Ransomware

Malware that encrypts or locks a victim's files and demands payment to restore access

Part of: VCE Applied Computing - U2O2 - Cyber Security — Module 32, 7-8 Digital Technologies Vic Curric - Digital Systems and Security — Module 71, 9-10 Digital Technologies Vic Curric - Digital Systems and Security — Module 51, VCE Software Development - U4O2 - Cyber Security: secure software development practices — Module 29, VCE Data Analytics - U4O2 - Cyber Security: Data Security — Module 12, IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 5.3 Cyber Security — Module 12, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Networks and Cyber Threats — Module 19, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10 — Cyber Security Threats and Vulnerabilities — Module 26, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Cyber Security — Module 38

Understanding Ransomware in VCE Cyber Security

What it does: Encryption is the technique ransomware uses to make files inaccessible. Having a backup lets a victim recover files without paying the ransom. Ransomware locks or encrypts data to prevent the victim from accessing it. Attackers typically demand a ransom payment in exchange for restoring access. Email attachments are a common way ransomware infects systems. Ransomware is defined by locking data and demanding payment for its release. Assuming payment guarantees recovery ignores that attackers may not follow through.

Common mistakes: Wrong — ransomware locks or encrypts files, it does not unlock them. Wrong — ransomware is harmful; it can restrict access and cause data loss.

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Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 31–40) and word search (Modules 21–40).

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Learning
Duo
Does ransomware encrypt or lock a victim's files?
YesNo
Matches
Paying the ransom always restores your files
↓
Attackers may not restore access even after payment
Applying
Meanings
Term
Ransomware
Meaning
Malware that encrypts or locks a victim's files and demands payment to restore access
Practice
Ransomware encrypts a victim's
Testing
Gaps
Ransomware your files.
Check Answer
Spots
1Ransomware unlocks all files.
2It demands a ransom payment.

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Quick Questions

1. Does ransomware encrypt or lock a victim's files?
A. Yes ✓
B. No
Ransomware locks or encrypts data to prevent the victim from accessing it.
2. Does ransomware demand a payment to restore access?
A. Yes ✓
B. No
Attackers typically demand a ransom payment in exchange for restoring access.
3. Does paying the ransom always guarantee files will be restored?
A. False ✓
B. True
Attackers may not restore access even after payment is made.
4. Can ransomware spread through email attachments?
A. No
B. Yes ✓
Email attachments are a common way ransomware infects systems.
5. Can backups help reduce the harm caused by ransomware?
A. No
B. Yes ✓
Having backups allows recovery of files without needing to pay a ransom.

Match the Pairs

Ransomware → Malware that encrypts files and demands a ransom to restore access
Ransom demand → A message demanding payment to unlock encrypted files
Ransomware encrypts a victim's files → Files on a device becoming unreadable and locked
Backups can reduce ransomware harm → Restoring files from a backup instead of paying
Paying the ransom always restores your files → Attackers may not restore access even after payment
Ransomware is harmless since it just shows a message → Ransomware actively locks or encrypts a victim's data

Key Term

Ransomware
Malware that encrypts or locks a victim's files and demands payment to restore access

Fill in the Blanks

1. Ransomware encrypts your files.
Hint: Type the word meaning to lock data using a code.
2. Victims must pay a ransom.
Hint: Type the word for the payment demanded by attackers.
3. It restricts access to data.
Hint: Type the word meaning to limit or block something.
4. Ransomware often spreads via email.
Hint: Type the word meaning to move to other systems.
5. Backups can prevent ransomware harm.
Hint: Type the word meaning to stop something from happening.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Ransomware unlocks all files.
B It demands a ransom payment.
C It can lock or encrypt data.
Line A — Wrong — ransomware locks or encrypts files, it does not unlock them.
Question 2
A Ransomware is fully harmless.
B It restricts access to files.
C Victims may lose data.
Line A — Wrong — ransomware is harmful; it can restrict access and cause data loss.
Question 3
A Ransomware encrypts data.
B It never demands payment.
C It can spread via email.
Line B — Wrong — ransomware demands a ransom payment to restore access to data.
Question 4
A Attackers demand a ransom.
B It always unlocks files free.
C Backups can reduce the harm.
Line B — Wrong — ransomware does not unlock files for free; a ransom is demanded.
Question 5
A Ransomware can lock a device.
B It can spread via attachments.
C It always unlocks files free.
Line C — Wrong — ransomware does not unlock files for free; payment is typically demanded.

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