Which of the following describes the effect of ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that targets organizational information systems by encrypting data and rendering it inaccessible to users. The primary function of ransomware is to inhibit access, as it restricts users from retrieving or utilizing their information until a ransom is paid to the attackers. This disruption can severely impact an organization’s operations, data integrity, and access to critical information, making the correct choice about inhibiting access to systems.

While it's true that ransomware can allow unauthorized access to networks, enhance functionality, or spread through email attachments, these effects are secondary to the primary impact of encryption and data unavailability that characterizes ransomware attacks. The main thrust of such attacks is to lock users out of their data, thereby causing significant operational and financial strain on affected organizations.