What is ransomware primarily designed to do?

Ransomware is primarily designed to encrypt the victim's data and demand payment from the victim in exchange for the decryption key. This malicious software infects a system, typically through phishing emails or malicious downloads, and then systematically encrypts files, rendering them inaccessible to the user. After this process, the ransomware usually presents a ransom note that outlines how to pay to recover access to the encrypted data.

This tactic exploits the urgency and fear of losing important information, convincing victims to pay the ransom, often in cryptocurrency, to regain access to their files. Thus, the aim of ransomware is not simply to disrupt or steal data, but to leverage the encryption as a means of extorting money from individuals or organizations.