Origins of Ransomware: A Cautionary Tale

This chapter examines the historical roots of ransomware, focusing on a notorious 1989 incident involving deceptive software that extorted money from victims under the pretense of delivering AIDS information. It highlights the evolution of cyber extortion tactics, drawing parallels to modern threats like the WannaCry attack. Through intriguing case studies, including a fraudulent ransomware scheme and the bizarre behavior of its perpetrator, the chapter uncovers the complex landscape of cybercrime and its implications.