Welcome to the Voice of America's News Words.

欢迎收看美国之音：新闻词汇。

This news word is from a recent attack on computers: Ransomware.

这个新闻词汇来自于最近的一次对电脑的攻击：勒索软件。

The cyber attack was described by experts as ransomware.

这个网络攻击被专家们描述为勒索软件。

Companies, government agencies and hospitals around the world lost control of their computer's data.

世界范围内的公司、政府机构和医院失去了对它们电脑数据的控制。

Affected computers received a message demanding payment of $300 to regain control of the data.

受影响的电脑收到了一条信息要求支付300美元来重新获得对数据的控制。

Ransomware is harmful computer software.

勒索软件是有害的电脑软件。

It blocks access to computer systems until users pay to get their data back.

它封锁通往电脑系统的通路，直到用户们付钱来重获他们的数据。

Ransomware is illegal.

勒索软件是非法的。

It is not new.

它并不新奇。

It was used as early a 1898.

它早在1898年就被使用了。