What does file hijacking entail?

File hijacking involves holding a user's online files for ransom. This act usually involves a malicious party gaining unauthorized access to a user’s files, often through techniques such as malware or phishing attacks. Once they have access, the perpetrators may encrypt the files or block access altogether, then demand payment in exchange for restoring access to the files or providing decryption keys.

This practice is increasingly common in cybercrime, and it can have significant implications for individuals and organizations alike, as it threatens both data integrity and confidentiality. Ransomware, a common form of file hijacking, emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity measures to prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive information.

The other options do not accurately represent file hijacking. Creating duplicate files might lead to information being backed up or copied, but it doesn’t involve malicious intent or ransom. Transferring files to another user might be a legitimate action in many contexts and doesn’t imply any form of coercion. Modification of files without permission might involve unauthorized changes, but it does not necessarily include the element of holding files for ransom.