Top Ten Cyber Attacks and Hacking Incidents

The Cosmos Bank Cyber Attack

In August 2018, Cosmos Bank, one of the oldest banks in India, fell victim to a cyber attack. The hackers targeted the bank's core banking system and ATMs, bypassing the security measures in place. They were able to access and clone the ATM cards of users, resulting in a total loss of around 80 crores INR.

The Sony Pictures Hack

In late November, Sony Pictures experienced a major network breach. The hackers, believed to be from North Korea, gained access to terabytes of data, including unreleased movies, performance data, and even the salaries of employees. They threatened to release the data unless their demands were met. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of major

corporations to cyber attacks.

The Melissa Virus

In 1999, a computer virus named Melissa spread rapidly through email. The virus was created by David L. Smith, who disguised it as a harmless file attachment. When users opened the file, it would forward itself to 50 other email addresses in their contact list. This led to the shutdown of several mail servers and caused significant disruption to email services.

The Marriott Data Breach

In 2018, Marriott International suffered a massive data breach. Hackers gained unauthorized access to the reservation database, compromising sensitive information such as names, genders, ages, passport numbers, and payment details of millions of guests. This incident highlighted the importance of robust security measures and regular updates to prevent such attacks.

The Jonathan James Case

Jonathan James, a teenager with impressive hacking skills, breached several high-profile organizations, including NASA. His weak security attempts resulted in significant damage to the network. James was arrested and put under house arrest, becoming the first juvenile to be convicted of computer hacking in the United States.

The Robert Morris Worm

In 1988, Robert Tappan Morris created a worm that infected thousands of computers connected to the early internet. The worm exploited vulnerabilities in the network, causing widespread disruption. This incident led to the development of special agents to protect critical infrastructure from cyber attacks.

The Pegasus Spyware

Pegasus, developed by the Israeli NSO Group, is a powerful spyware capable of infiltrating iOS, Android, and Windows devices. It can remotely activate cameras and microphones, enabling real-time surveillance. Pegasus has been used by governments and criminals alike for espionage and other malicious activities.

The "I Love You" Virus

In 2000, the "I Love You" virus, also known as the Love Bug or Love Letter, spread rapidly through email. The virus disguised itself as a text file or an image attachment, infecting millions of computers worldwide. This incident highlighted the need for improved antivirus measures and user awareness to prevent such attacks.

The Miscellaneous Attacks

Aside from the major incidents mentioned above, there have been numerous miscellaneous cyber attacks and hacking incidents targeting individuals, companies, and even governments. These attacks range from phishing scams and ransomware attacks to social engineering and identity theft.

Conclusion

Cyber attacks and hacking incidents have become increasingly prevalent in today's digital world. It is crucial for individuals and organizations to prioritize cybersecurity and take necessary precautions to protect sensitive information. Regular software updates, strong passwords, and user awareness can go a long way in preventing such attacks. As technology advances, so do the tactics of hackers, making it essential to stay vigilant and up-to-date with the latest security measures.

Remember, your privacy matters, and it is everyone's responsibility to ensure a safe and secure online environment.