Malicious Life The Roots of Evil
5 snips
Aug 7, 2017 Delve into the chaotic aftermath of the WannaCry ransomware attack, which locked up countless files worldwide. Travel back to the 1989 AIDS Trojan incident that foreshadowed modern cyber extortion. Discover how early ransomware influenced the evolution of cryptovirology and advanced encryption techniques. Explore the ethical dilemmas faced by researchers whose findings can empower cybercriminals. Finally, learn how Bitcoin has transformed the landscape of ransomware monetization, shaping the future of cybercrime.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The AIDS Trojan
- In December 1989, thousands of PC users, many of whom had attended a WHO AIDS convention, received a floppy disk labeled "AIDS Information Introductory Diskette".
- The software provided useful information about AIDS risk, but it also contained a hidden Trojan horse.
The Trojan's License
- The AIDS Trojan included a license agreement stating that installation constituted purchase and a mandatory leasing fee.
- Ignoring the agreement would lead to "program mechanisms" ensuring termination of use and a haunting conscience.
Simple Encryption
- Despite the alarming message, the AIDS Trojan's encryption was simple, switching characters in a predictable pattern.
- Researchers quickly created software to decrypt the files and restore them to their original state.