Maze is ransomware — a malware type that encrypts the victim’s files and restores the data in exchange for a ransom payment. One of the most distinguishable features of Maze is that it is one of the first malware of the kind to publicly release stolen data.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that locks users out of their system or data using different methods to force them to pay a ransom. Most often, such programs encrypt files on an infected machine and demand a fee to be paid in exchange for the decryption key. Additionally, such programs can be used to steal sensitive information from the compromised computer and even conduct DDoS attacks against affected organizations to pressure them into paying.