Among all types of malware, ransomware is one of the most disruptive and dangerous threats facing modern computer systems. In IB Computer Science, students are expected to understand what ransomware is, how it operates, and why it causes such severe damage, particularly to organisations.
IB examiners often assess ransomware as a real-world security scenario, requiring clear explanation rather than technical detail.
What Is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware that:
- Blocks access to data or systems
- Demands payment to restore access
This is usually done by:
- Encrypting files
- Locking the operating system
Once infected, users are presented with a message demanding a ransom, often in digital currency.
In IB terms, ransomware combines malware, encryption, and extortion.
How Ransomware Works
Ransomware typically follows these steps:
- The malware is installed on a system
- Files or systems are encrypted or locked
- The user is prevented from accessing data
- A ransom demand is displayed
The attacker promises to:
- Provide a decryption key
- Restore access after payment
However, there is no guarantee that access will be restored.
How Ransomware Spreads
Ransomware commonly spreads through:
- Phishing emails
- Malicious attachments or links
- Compromised websites
- Infected software downloads
In many cases, ransomware relies on:
- User error
- Social engineering
IB students should emphasise that ransomware often bypasses technical security through deception.
Why Ransomware Is So Dangerous
Ransomware is especially dangerous because it:
- Completely disrupts operations
- Causes immediate damage
- Pressures victims to act quickly
For organisations, ransomware can:
- Halt services
- Cause data loss
- Damage reputation
- Lead to financial loss
Critical systems such as:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Businesses
are particularly vulnerable.
Encryption and Ransomware
Ransomware uses strong encryption to lock files.
Key IB point:
- Without the decryption key, encrypted files are effectively unusable
This means:
- Antivirus alone may not recover data
- Paying the ransom may still fail
Encryption makes ransomware extremely effective.
Why Paying the Ransom Is Risky
Paying a ransom:
- Does not guarantee file recovery
- Encourages further attacks
- Funds criminal activity
IB examiners often expect students to explain why paying is discouraged, even under pressure.
Preventing Ransomware Attacks
Prevention focuses on:
- User education
- Email awareness
- Regular software updates
- Strong access control
- Reliable backups
Backups are especially important because:
- Systems can be restored without paying
IB students should link ransomware prevention to backup strategies.
Ransomware and Risk Assessment
Ransomware is:
- High-impact
- Often high-likelihood
This makes it a top priority in risk assessments, especially for organisations handling sensitive data.
Common Student Mistakes
Students often:
- Describe ransomware as simple malware
- Ignore encryption
- Forget user involvement
- Assume payment fixes the problem
Clear explanation of mechanism and impact earns higher marks.
How This Appears in IB Exams
IB questions may ask students to:
- Explain what ransomware is
- Describe how it spreads
- Analyse its impact on an organisation
- Suggest prevention or recovery strategies
Cause-and-effect reasoning is essential.
Final Thoughts
Ransomware is a form of malware that locks systems or encrypts data and demands payment for recovery. By combining encryption and social engineering, it causes severe disruption and financial damage.
Understanding how ransomware works allows IB Computer Science students to explain one of the most serious modern cybersecurity threats clearly and confidently — exactly what examiners expect.
