Module 6 - What is ransomware? Which of the 10 computer ethics commandments is/are violated by ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of  malware used for data kidnapping, an exploit in which the attacker encrypts the victim's data and demands payment for the decryption key. A ransomware program can be installed from an e-mail attachment, an infected program, or a compromised or malicious Web site. Malware used for this purpose is sometimes called a cryptovirus, cryptotrojan or cryptoworm. (http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci1180020,00.html)

The computer ethics commandments which are violated by ransomeware are the following:

·        Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.

·        Thou shalt not interfere with other people’s computer work.

·        Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.

·        Thou shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual output.

·        Thou shalt use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect.