What is a common consequence of a successful ransomware attack?

A common consequence of a successful ransomware attack is indeed the loss of access to encrypted files. Ransomware works by encrypting the victim's files, rendering them inaccessible without a decryption key that is typically held by the attacker. Victims are often presented with a ransom note demanding payment in exchange for the decryption key. This loss of access can have severe implications for individuals and organizations, leading to operational disruptions, financial losses, and potential data breaches or losses, depending on the nature of the data affected.

The other options, while they may describe scenarios related to system performance or interruptions, do not align with the primary impact of ransomware. Temporary network disconnection and immediate system shutdown might occur in certain situations, but they do not characterize the essence of a ransomware attack. Increased system performance is typically the opposite of what occurs during a ransomware attack, as the attack usually strains system resources and can significantly degrade performance due to the processes involved in encryption and the potential ongoing impact of malware.