### Comment:
How does ransomware encrypt files on a victim's computer?

### REPLY:
Ransomware encrypts files on a victim's computer by exploiting vulnerabilities in the operating system's file encryption mechanisms. By identifying these vulnerabilities, the ransomware can gain unauthorized access to the encryption keys used by the operating system and use them to encrypt the victim's files. The attackers then demand a ransom payment in order to provide the decryption key and restore access to the encrypted files.