Top 10 Cyber Attacks In History | Biggest Cyber Attacks Of All Time | Cyber Security | Simplilearn

Summary

This video explores the top 10 most significant computer hacks in history, detailing incidents like the 2007 cyber attacks in Estonia, the 2015 power outage in Ukraine, and the 2014 Sony Pictures breach. Highlighting various hacking techniques and the impact on society, the list includes Jonathan James’s infiltration of NASA, the Stuxnet worm targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, and the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack that crippled organizations globally. The video emphasizes the evolving nature of cyber threats and their implications for security, urging viewers to be aware of these historical incidents.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Takeaway 1: Estonia faced a series of cyber attacks in 2007 after relocating a controversial statue, leading to widespread disruption of online services.
• ⚡ Takeaway 2: In December 2015, Ukraine experienced a cyber attack that caused significant power outages affecting approximately 230,000 people.
• 👶 Takeaway 3: A 15-year-old hacker, Jonathan James, caused a 21-day shutdown of NASA computers in 1999, stealing sensitive information and costing significant resources.
• 🎬 Takeaway 4: Sony Pictures was attacked in 2014 by the Guardians of Peace, resulting in the leak of confidential data and the cancellation of the film 'The Interview'.
• 🔒 Takeaway 5: The TJX data breach in 2006 compromised 45.6 million debit and credit card details due to weak web encryption, leading to widespread financial impacts.
• 💻 Takeaway 6: The discovery of the Stuxnet worm in 2010 aimed to sabotage Iran's nuclear infrastructure, marking a significant development in cyber warfare.
• 🛒 Takeaway 7: Home Depot experienced a major security breach in 2014, where 56 million payment card details were stolen due to compromised third-party vendor access.
• 🎮 Takeaway 8: In April 2011, Sony's PlayStation Network was compromised, exposing 77 million user accounts and leading to a 23-day service outage.
• 💰 Takeaway 9: The WannaCry ransomware attack in May 2017 infected over 200,000 computers worldwide, causing billions in damages and demanding ransoms in Bitcoin.
• 📧 Takeaway 10: The Melissa virus, released in 1999, caused massive disruptions by exploiting Microsoft Word and Outlook, demonstrating the potential for widespread cyber chaos.

Q & A

What triggered the cyber attacks in Estonia in April 2007?

The cyber attacks were triggered by the Estonian government's decision to relocate the Bronze Soldier memorial, leading to unprecedented levels of internet traffic that targeted banks, media outlets, and government services.

What was the impact of the cyber attack on Ukraine's power grid in December 2015?

The cyber attack resulted in a power outage affecting approximately 230,000 people as hackers compromised the systems of three energy distribution companies and switched off 30 substations.

Who was Jonathan James, and what was his notable cyber attack?

Jonathan James was a 15-year-old hacker who penetrated NASA's computers in 1999, causing a 21-day shutdown by installing a backdoor that allowed him to steal sensitive information, including usernames and passwords.

What demands did the Guardians of Peace hackers make during the Sony Pictures attack?

The Guardians of Peace demanded that Sony withdraw its movie 'The Interview,' which depicted an assassination attempt on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, leading to Sony canceling the film's theatrical release.

How did the TJX data breach occur, and what was its impact?

The TJX data breach occurred due to weak web encryption at its stores, resulting in the theft of 45.6 million debit and credit card details over 18 months, causing banks to reissue thousands of payment cards.

What was unique about the Stuxnet worm discovered in 2010?

Stuxnet was unique as it specifically targeted and damaged Iran's nuclear infrastructure by infecting industrial control systems, marking it as one of the first known cyber weapons designed to sabotage hardware.

What were the consequences of the Home Depot cyber attack in 2014?

The Home Depot cyber attack compromised 56 million payment cards and 53 million customer email addresses, resulting from criminals exploiting third-party vendor credentials to install malware on self-checkout systems.

What major issue did the PlayStation Network face in April 2011?

In April 2011, the PlayStation Network faced a significant security breach that compromised about 77 million user accounts, resulting in a 23-day service outage and substantial financial investments by Sony to improve security.

What was the Melissa virus, and how did it spread?

The Melissa virus was a mass mailing macro virus released in March 1999 that spread through emails, targeting Microsoft Word and Outlook systems, causing substantial disruption and approximately $80 million in damages.

What is believed to be the origin of the WannaCry ransomware attack?

The WannaCry ransomware attack is believed to have originated in Asia and spread globally, affecting computers that used unsupported versions of Microsoft Windows and exploiting an exposed SMB port.