Both ransonware and spyware are malicious software (also known as malware) that are considered to be cyber threats. Ransomware is malware designed to take over your computer or device with the purpose of locking it or stealing your data. This software holds your computer or data hostage until a ransom is paid. Spyware, on the other hand, is malware that spies on your internet usage in order to uncover your personal information and then transmits that personal information to a third party for malicious purposes.