Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a user's files or takes control of a system, demanding a ransom for the decryption key or system access. It can infect computer systems through malicious emails, software vulnerabilities, or deceptive websites. The impact can be devastating, leading to loss of critical data, financial losses from ransom payments, and potential long-term damage to a company’s reputation. Organizations often invest in security measures to prevent ransomware attacks, as recovering from such incidents can be costly and time-consuming.