What is a ransomware attack? What is the story of ransomware invention?

Ransomware has evolved as a significant cybersecurity threat over the years, with its history dating back to the late 1980s and early 1990s. The first known ransomware attack was the AIDS Trojan, distributed via floppy disks. However, it was not until the early 2000s that ransomware started gaining popularity. The evolution of ransomware has seen it become more sophisticated, utilizing encryption to block access to victims’ data until a ransom is paid.

Modern ransomware variants often use strong encryption techniques, making it difficult to decrypt files without paying the ransom. Ransomware has also evolved to target businesses, organizations, and individuals across various platforms, including desktop computers, mobile devices, and even cloud services.

The business model of ransomware has also evolved, with the development of ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) where cybercriminals can purchase or rent ransomware tools to launch attacks easily. The ransom demands have also increased significantly over the years, with some high-profile attacks demanding millions of dollars in cryptocurrency.

Overall, the history and evolution of ransomware highlight the constant adaptation and innovation by cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities and extort money from their victims.