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What are some of the most notable ransomware attacks in recent history?

Zaire Sturman

Ransomware attacks have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, and have had some noteworthy impacts that have made them particularly concerning. Here are a few of the most notable ransomware attacks in recent history:

The WannaCry attack in 2017 was one of the largest and most devastating ransomware attacks to date. It spread across the globe, infecting systems in more than 150 countries and causing millions of dollars in damage. The ransomware was spread via a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows and it encrypted user's files, with the attackers demanding payment in Bitcoin to unlock them. This attack was especially noteworthy because it targeted healthcare organizations as well, which caused major disruptions in patient care.

Another significant ransomware attack that occurred in 2017 was NotPetya, which was a sophisticated cyberattack that caused widespread damage across Ukraine and affected several major companies in the US and Europe. NotPetya was primarily distributed through a software update for a Ukrainian tax software, which made it particularly difficult to detect. The ransomware caused significant damage to affected systems, with many companies having to rebuild their entire IT infrastructure from scratch.

In 2019, the city of Baltimore was hit by a ransomware attack, which caused major disruptions and a loss of important data. The attack affected city services, including property sales and public transportation, and the attackers demanded a large ransom payment to unlock the systems. The attack led to significant economic losses for the city, with some estimates placing the total damages between $18-20 million.

More recently, the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack in May 2021 caused widespread panic and disruptions in the US. The attack affected the operations of one of the largest oil pipelines in the US, and caused shortages and price spikes across the country. The attackers demanded a large ransom payment in Bitcoin, which Colonial Pipeline ultimately paid.

These are just a few examples of the most notable ransomware attacks in recent history, but there are countless more that have impacted businesses and individuals across the globe. As cybercrime continues to evolve and become more sophisticated, it's important for individuals and organizations to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves against these types of attacks. This includes investing in robust cybersecurity measures, educating employees on how to recognize and avoid phishing attempts, and regularly backing up important data to prevent total loss in the event of a successful ransomware attack.