Ransomware is a widespread type of malware. It encrypts the data of an infected IT system and, in many cases, further data it manages to access (e.g. through network shares). In most cases, attackers use encryption methods that cannot be reversed without the corresponding key as a means of extorting large sums of money from their victims. If there is no effective protection against malware and no supplementary precautions (such as data backups) are taken, the availability of information can be considerably restricted, data can be lost, and massive financial and reputational damage can occur.