______ occurs when hackers require payment for releasing healthcare information.

______ occurs when hackers require payment for releasing healthcare information.

• A. Ransomware
• B. Phishing
• C. Cyber extortion
• D. Malware

Answer: (C)

Cyber extortion is the scenario where attackers threaten to release or publish healthcare information unless a ransom is paid. In healthcare, this leverage—the potential disclosure of sensitive patient data—creates strong pressure to comply with the attackers’ demands, because the consequences can include regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage, and patient trust erosion. Ransomware, while related, centers on malware that encrypts files and blocks access until payment is made for decryption, rather than specifically about releasing data. Phishing is a social-engineering tactic used to steal credentials or access, not the payment-demand action itself. Malware is a broad category of malicious software, which includes ransomware and other tools, but does not by itself describe the demand for payment to release data.

Cyber extortion is the scenario where attackers threaten to release or publish healthcare information unless a ransom is paid. In healthcare, this leverage—the potential disclosure of sensitive patient data—creates strong pressure to comply with the attackers’ demands, because the consequences can include regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage, and patient trust erosion.

Ransomware, while related, centers on malware that encrypts files and blocks access until payment is made for decryption, rather than specifically about releasing data. Phishing is a social-engineering tactic used to steal credentials or access, not the payment-demand action itself. Malware is a broad category of malicious software, which includes ransomware and other tools, but does not by itself describe the demand for payment to release data.