What is the general name given to malicious software that locks or restricts access to a computer system until a ransom is paid?

Introduction / Context:
Cyber security has become a key topic in general awareness, especially after major global attacks that affected thousands of computers. One widely known type of malicious software encrypts files or locks access to systems and then demands payment from the victim in order to restore access. This question asks for the general name used to describe this category of malware. Knowing this term is important for understanding news reports and basic cyber security concepts tested in exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The question mentions:
1. The software is malicious in nature, which means it is designed to cause harm or demand payment.
2. It restricts user access to the computer or data until a ransom is paid.
3. Four possible names are listed: Bitcoinware, Captiveware, Pay-offware and Ransomware.
4. We assume that the answer refers to a widely accepted term used by cyber security experts and media outlets rather than a made up label.

Concept / Approach:
The concept tested is knowledge of basic malware classifications. Software that takes over a system or encrypts data and then demands payment to release it is known generically as Ransomware. The term comes from the word ransom, which means money or value demanded for the release of a person or property. The approach is to match this well established definition with the option list and recognise that Ransomware is the standard term, while the other options are not commonly used in cyber security literature.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Read the description carefully: the malware locks access and demands payment. Step 2: Connect this behaviour with news about global incidents such as WannaCry, which were described as Ransomware attacks. Step 3: Examine the options. Bitcoinware is not a standard term, although ransoms are often demanded in Bitcoin. Step 4: Captiveware and Pay-offware sound descriptive but are not established names in cyber security taxonomy. Step 5: Ransomware is the recognised general name for malware that locks or encrypts data until a ransom is paid. Step 6: Therefore, the correct answer is Ransomware.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify the answer, recall that cyber security advisories, government alerts and technology news articles use the term Ransomware when describing attacks that demand payment. They frequently explain that Ransomware encrypts files and displays a message asking for money, often in digital currency. The other names listed in the options do not appear in such professional or news sources as the generic term for this threat. This confirms that Ransomware is the correct term.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Bitcoinware: While many Ransomware attackers request payment in Bitcoin, the malware itself is not called Bitcoinware. This option is therefore incorrect.
Captiveware: This is not a commonly used technical term. It may describe the idea of holding data captive, but it is not the recognised name of this category of malware.
Pay-offware: This option is also invented for the question and not used by security professionals to classify malware, so it is wrong.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may be misled by options that include words like Bitcoin or pay off, since Ransomware incidents often demand payment in digital currency. Without careful reading or prior knowledge, they may incorrectly choose one of these creative but non standard names. Another pitfall is to confuse different types of malware such as viruses, worms and trojans with Ransomware. To avoid these errors, it is important to remember that Ransomware specifically describes malware that locks or encrypts systems and demands a ransom. Studying basic cyber security vocabulary is highly useful for modern competitive exams.

Final Answer:
The general name for malicious software that locks or restricts access to a system until a ransom is paid is Ransomware.