This article discusses the origins and evolution of ransomware, tracing back to the first known instance involving a floppy disk labeled “AIDS Information” sent in 1989. It highlights the impact of ransomware on individuals and organizations, the methods used by cybercriminals, and the ongoing threat posed by such attacks today. Affected: Ransomware victims, healthcare organizations, IT sector, individuals.
Keypoints :
- The first known ransomware attack occurred with a floppy disk labeled “AIDS Information” in 1989.
- Joseph L. Popp, the creator of the AIDS Trojan, sparked significant investigations into computer crime.
- The ransomware spread through physical mailing rather than digital means.
- Victims faced severe consequences, including loss of data and financial repercussions.
- Ransomware has evolved significantly, leading to modern threats like WannaCry and NotPetya.
- Cybercriminals now utilize advanced techniques such as double extortion and Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS).
- Ransomware attacks have caused billions in damages worldwide, particularly in sectors like healthcare and IT.
- AI is seen as both a potential tool for cybercriminals and a means to enhance cybersecurity.
MITRE Techniques :
- Initial Access (T1078) – The ransomware was initially distributed via physical floppy disks sent to targeted individuals.
- Execution (T1203) – Victims executed the malicious software by running the program on their computers.
- Data Encrypted for Impact (T1486) – The ransomware encrypted files, making them inaccessible until a ransom was paid.
- Exfiltration Over Command and Control Channel (T1041) – Cybercriminals threatened to publish stolen data if the ransom was not paid.