What function does ransomware serve?

Ransomware primarily functions by encrypting the victim's files, making them inaccessible, and then demanding payment for the decryption key that would allow the victim to regain access to their files. This malicious software exploits vulnerabilities in systems to restrict access to valuable data, creating a significant disruption for individuals and organizations alike. By demanding a ransom, cybercriminals leverage the victim's urgency to recover critical data or systems, emphasizing the coercive nature of this type of attack.

The other options do not represent the intended function of ransomware. Enhancing network security, preventing unauthorized access, or improving system performance are activities and strategies associated with cybersecurity practices, not the objectives of ransomware, which is fundamentally a criminal enterprise aimed at financial gain through exploitation of victims.