A user, Ann, is reporting to the company IT support group that her workstation screen is blank other than a window with a message requesting payment or else her hard drive will be formatted. Which of

A Trojan is malware disguised as legitimate software to gain initial access; Trojans do not inherently display ransom demands or threaten to format drives.

Spyware covertly monitors and collects user data (keystrokes, browsing, credentials) and exfiltrates it silently without presenting demands or blocking system use.

Adware automatically displays or downloads unwanted advertisements to generate revenue; it does not lock screens or issue payment demands threatening data destruction.

Ransomware is a category of malware that holds a victim's data or system hostage - either by encrypting files or threatening destruction - and demands payment (often cryptocurrency) for restoration or to prevent damage. The scenario describes the classic ransomware behavior: a full-screen message blocking normal access to the system while presenting a financial ultimatum. This distinguishes it from other malware categories that focus on concealment, data theft, or advertising.