Author: Thembekile Olivia Mayayise

Ransomware: what it is and why it’s your problem Thembekile Olivia Mayayise, University of the Witwatersrand Ransomware is a type of malicious software that makes a victim’s data, system or device inaccessible. It locks the target or encrypts it (converting text into an unreadable form) until the victim pays a ransom to the attacker. It’s one of the most widespread and damaging forms of cyberattacks affecting organisations around the world. An Interpol report identified ransomware as one of the most widespread cyber threats across Africa in 2024. South Africa reported 12,281 detections and Egypt reported 17,849. Despite global efforts to curb…