Hacking Series

Do you know who the first hackers were? Surprisingly, it was a group of Dutch hackers who, in 1990, managed to penetrate the computer networks of the United States Department of Defense. In fact, they successfully accessed some of the most sensitive yet unclassified military information. Interestingly, their actions exposed vulnerabilities that had long been … Continue reading "1990: Hackers from Netherlands Penetrated DoD Sites "

Have you ever wondered what your reaction would be if somebody said that a hacker group managed to penetrate the card-holding systems of several British banks and held them to ransom? It sounds very much like some sort of thriller, doesn’t it? But in 1990, this surely went down.  The hackers entered the British clearing … Continue reading "British Banks Blindsided by a Major Hack in 1990"

Aren’t there many stories about hackers who exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems? These vulnerabilities often create complete havoc in every department due to what others regard as almost nothing more than a typographical mistake. In late October 1990, there was such a story. It happened to Cliff Stoll, who was based at the Lawrence Berkeley … Continue reading "Cliff Stoll Role in Uncovering The Cuckoo’s Egg Hacker"

How could a single hacker sit in their home cause chaos at NASA? This is what happened in 1990, when a delinquent hacker from Denver was able to enter NASA’s computers and connect to the NASA systems up from the city of Huntsville beside numerous others on separate occasions.   Also, using nothing else but a … Continue reading "Denver and the 1990 NASA Hacker Scandal"

Have you ever wondered how a simple disk could turn your computer into a slow, crashing mess? Back in 1989, the WDEF Mac Virus did just that to countless Macintosh computers. It spread silently, without users even clicking anything. This was a time when viruses were mostly seen on PCs, so the Mac community was … Continue reading "MAC Virus 1989: WDEF and the Evolution of Mac Security"

Picture You worked at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in October 1989. The Galileo spacecraft is set to launch toward Jupiter. You grab your coffee, sit at your desk, and turn on your computer.  But instead of your usual login screen, you see a bizarre message: “WANK. Your system has been officially Wanke’d. You talk of … Continue reading "1989: WANK (Worms Against Nuclear Killers) Worm Attacked SPAN (NASA DEC net) VAX/VMS Systems"

In 1989, a 16-year-old hacker known as “Fry Guy” stunned the world by breaching McDonald’s mainframe. Using nothing more than a manager’s login credentials, he accessed the payroll system and gave his teenage friends generous raises.   What started as a prank soon escalated into serious cybercrime as Fry Guy moved on to scam credit card … Continue reading "Fry Guy: The 1989 Hacker Who Breached McDonald’s"

In July 1989, a very basic computer system was nearly taken over for the nth time, and the presence of the Avenger virus was one of the scares of the age that needed to be taken seriously. Embedded with the technology of a certain Dark Avenger, this virus was probably the first worm ever unleashed … Continue reading "1989 – The Rise of Dark Avenger: A Virus That Changed Cybersecurity Forever "

Imagine one day logging into your computer, expecting everything to run smoothly, but instead, it’s slow or unresponsive. In 1988, that happened to thousands of computers when a small piece of code brought them all to their knees. Robert T. Morris, a graduate student at Cornell, wrote a worm that accidentally became one of the … Continue reading "1988 – The Morris Worm Incident: A Turning Point in Cybersecurity History "

In the late 80s, when personal computers were still a novelty in many homes, Macs were seen as nearly invincible. A friend proudly owned a Macintosh 6.0.4 and believed it could do no wrong. That is, until one day, his computer started acting strangely. Files were missing, the system was crashing, and nothing made sense. … Continue reading "Macintosh 6.0.4 Under Siege: The 1988 Virus Outbreak Chronicles"

Imagine being the most wanted hacker in the world and slipping through the cracks of some of the most secured networks. Kevin Mitnick did that in 1988 when he broke into the MCI DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation) network.  At that time, the name DEC was big in the tech business world. They were someone to … Continue reading "MCI DEC Network Under Siege: Mitnick’s 1988 Cyber Attack"

Imagine a small network connecting only a few computers when the Internet was still new. One day, in 1988, that fragile system was hit by something no one saw coming. A worm that is now referred to as the Morris Worm infected and spread to computers all over the world. The USAF Sperry 1160 computer … Continue reading "USAF Sperry 1160 Compromise: Insights into the 1988 San Antonio"

Picture this. It’s late night, and you’re at your desk, casually browsing the internet, when, out of the blue, you notice something that you ought to have spotted—something that one would think one shouldn’t come across at all. This was how a hacker known as “Prophet” got himself into trouble in 1989.  As he was … Continue reading "“Prophet” Cracks BellSouth AIMSX Computer Network in 1988 "

Let’s go back to the year 1987. It is half a decade after the information age began in the United States. The concept of cyber security is also a new one to many. However, a group of hackers mostly from Brooklyn, hacks into the US Department of Defense. This is no ordinary network, it is … Continue reading "1987 MILNET Hack: The Cyber Attack That Shocked the Military "

In the fall of 1987, students at Lehigh University were busy with their studies, swapping floppy disks to share files and programs. But something strange started happening. Files on these diskettes were mysteriously disappearing. At first, people thought it was just user error, but soon, it became clear that something else was at play. This … Continue reading "1987 Lehigh Virus: The First Virus to Cause Direct Data Damage "

Have you ever wondered how some of the earliest computer viruses worked? The Jerusalem Memory Resident Virus, dating back to the late 1980s, was one of the first malware strains that left a lasting impact on the world of computer security. This was one of the first variants of malware which left a lasting impression … Continue reading "1987 – Jerusalem Memory Resident Virus: The Early Threat to Computer Security  "

In 1987, a Sprint telecom engineer sat at his desk, sipping coffee and staring at the blinking lights on his control board. Everything seemed normal until it wasn’t. Suddenly, phones were ringing off the hook with complaints of weird calls, fake phone numbers, and even jammed emergency lines. It wasn’t long before they realized the … Continue reading "1987: Hackers Breach Sprint Telecom System—Here’s What Happened"

Imagine being an 18-year-old with a passion for computers. Now, imagine using that passion to break into one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world. That’s exactly what Herbert Zinn did in 1987. At 18 years old, Zinn accessed AT&T’s computer systems, stealing $1 million of software. This wasn’t some small hack. It involved … Continue reading "1987 Hacker Breach: $1 Million Software Stolen from AT&T"

Just envision yourself being in front of a computer in 1987 and being aware that by typing some code, you get into NASA’s intranet. Sounds impossible, right? However, that is something that a group of German hackers from the Chaos Computer Club (CCC) achieved.  Hackers known as the ‘Summer of 1987 breakers’ hacked one of … Continue reading "1987: Chaos Computer Club Hacks NASA’s SPAN on VMS 4.4"

Imagine it’s 1987, and you’re sitting at your desk, working on a big project. Suddenly, a message pops up on your computer screen. It’s a Christmas tree made out of characters. Harmless, right? You laugh, maybe share it with a colleague, thinking it’s just a festive prank. But little did anyone know that this innocent-looking tree … Continue reading "1987 Christmas Virus: The First WAN Virus in History"

Introduction The 1980s were an era of technological revolution. Computers had become the hottest new trend, captivating the minds of enthusiasts worldwide. Amid this backdrop of innovation, people eagerly experimented with the latest technology, pushing the boundaries of what was possible. Our story today takes us to Pakistan in the mid-1980s. A time where two … Continue reading "Year 1986: The Birth Of The Pakistani Brain Virus"

Introduction Have you ever experienced the thrill of stumbling upon something extraordinary while searching for something seemingly insignificant? Like sifting through a pile of sand for a lost coin only to unearth an entire treasure trove. This tale of unexpected discovery mirrors the remarkable experience of Dr. Cliff Stoll in 1986. Dr. Clifford “Cliff” Stoll … Continue reading "Year 1986 – Dr Cliff Stoll & The Cuckoo’s Egg"

Introduction Our previous blogs have been testimonials of all the major phreaking incidents that took place in the mid-1950s. It’s safe to say that many hackers’ journeys began with phone phreaking. Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume that phreaking played a role in the evolution of hacking. Phreaking, essentially the manipulation of telephone lines for personal … Continue reading "Year 1986: When WANK Worm Attacked Stanford University"

Introduction Since the early days of computing, including the advent of technologies like ARPANET, instances of computer-related crimes have been prevalent. The period from the 1960s to the 1980s witnessed a significant increase in cybercrime and other technology-related offenses. These incidents, often blamed on curious teenagers, had severe consequences for targeted organizations and corporations. This … Continue reading "Year 1986: Congress Enacts The Federal Computer Fraud And Abuse Act"

Chernobyl & the Chaos Computer Club On the quiet night of April 26th, 1986, the city of Chernobyl slept peacefully until the sudden wailing of fire brigades woke them up. Looking outside their windows, the residents of Chernobyl saw a massive fire emerging from the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. After several inquiries, the residents heard … Continue reading "Year 1986: Chaos Computer Club Breaches German Government Computer; Exposes Chernobyl Data"

Introduction In our previous blog posts, we discussed about the lives of several renowned hackers and phone phreakers. We talked about figures like Joybubbles, John Draper, Steve Wozniak & Steve Jobs, and Kevin Mitnick, each leaving a significant mark on the world of hacking and phreaking. Today, we shift our focus to another notable individual … Continue reading "Year 1984: The Hacking Marvels of Kevin Poulsen AKA “Dark Dante”"

Introduction Kevin Mitnick’s unparalleled hacking skills has cemented his status as one of the greatest hackers of all time, making him a focal point of our hacking series and sparking a wealth of captivating tales about his life. A legend in the hacking world, Mitnick earned the infamous title of “America’s Most Wanted Computer Outlaw” … Continue reading "Year 1983: Kevin Mitnick Gets Arrested For Illegally Accessing The ARPANET"

Who Was Fred Cohen? The term “computer virus” has become common in the 21st century, but its history traces back to the earliest days of computing. Since the inception of computers, individuals have been experimenting with creating and releasing malicious software. Notable examples include the RABBITS virus of 1969 and the Elk Cloner. These early … Continue reading "Year 1983: Fred Cohen’s Demonstration Of A Computer Virus"

Introduction Wars have historically acted as catalysts for innovation in weaponry and military tactics, driving technological advancements at an accelerated pace. This was particularly evident during World War I and the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. World War I marked a transition from 19th-century tactics to 20th-century technology. Armies adapted … Continue reading "Year 1982: The U.S. Launches First Logic Bomb Attack on Russia"

Introduction When delving into this intriguing historical event, I initially asked myself, “How could a football game be hacked?” However, recalling the 1961 Rose Bowl Hoax, I realized that hacking isn’t solely tied to computers. Indeed, it encompasses the meticulously crafted exploits of college students, leveraging wit to execute clever pranks or garner recognition for … Continue reading "Year 1982: When MIT Hacked the Harvard-Yale Football Game"

Introduction In the early days of computing, viruses were relatively benign and often created as pranks by teenage tech enthusiasts. These individuals, with a keen interest in the burgeoning field, seized the opportunity to experiment with computer viruses shortly after the introduction of personal computers. Among them was Rich Skrenta, who crafted Elk Cloner, the … Continue reading "Year 1982: Exploring Elk Cloner, the First Computer Virus"

Introduction “Kids are curious.” And rightly so—curiosity is the mother of invention. As they grow, that curiosity only intensifies, especially when the world around them is on the brink of transformative change. Think of Professor Utonium from the Powerpuff Girls in his laboratory, diligently concocting his three beloved daughters. This scenario mirrors what occurs when … Continue reading "Year 1982: The Saga of Group “414”- Milwaukee Teenage Hackers"

Introduction The early years of Kevin Mitnick have been nothing short of fascinating. From his humble beginnings as a hacker, phone phreaker, and social engineer, Mitnick’s journey has been filled with intrigue and controversy. While we’ve read about his infamous exploits in our previous blogs, today, we invite you to join us for yet another … Continue reading "Year 1981: The Hacking of Pacific Bell’s COSMOS Phone Centre"

Introduction If you’ve been following our hacking series since day 1, you likely didn’t anticipate the extent of cybercrime incidents, especially given the Internet’s early stages. But brace yourselves for some eye-opening statistics from the world of cybercrime. Currently, it’s a staggering $1.5 trillion industry, with a hacker attack occurring every 39 seconds on average, … Continue reading "Year 1981- The Fascinating Tale of Ian Murphy aka Captain Zap"

Introduction In the history of cybersecurity, some events have really stood out and shaped how we protect our digital systems. One such event happened in 1979 when a 16-year-old named Kevin Mitnick breached the Ark computer system at Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). This blog takes a close look at Mitnick’s first unauthorized access, exploring how … Continue reading "1979 DEC Breach: Kevin Mitnick’s First Cyber Intrusion"

Introduction In a world dominated by digital communication, where every “ping” and notification holds potential importance, the term “spam” has become synonymous with the pesky intruders that infiltrate our email sanctuaries. Gone are the days when spam merely referred to a canned meat product; today, it’s the unwelcome flood of unsolicited emails promising everything from … Continue reading "Year 1978: The Birth Year Of The First Spam Email"

Introduction In the intricate tapestry of cybersecurity, certain historical occurrences serve as pivotal milestones, shaping the trajectory of the field. The emergence of ANIMAL in 1975 is one such defining moment, marking the unwitting genesis of trojan horses in the digital world. In this blog, we embark on a journey to unravel the intricate layers … Continue reading "Year 1975: The First Trojan Horse- ‘ANIMAL’"

Introduction In the history of finance, and apparently cybercrime, the year 1973 bears witness to a notable embezzlement case that unfolded within the Park Avenue branch of the Union Dime Savings Bank in New York. The protagonist of this intricate tale was Roswell Steffen. Roswell Steffen, the esteemed chief teller, was entrusted with the financial … Continue reading "1973 Bank Heist: Rosewell Steffen’s Sneaky Story Exposed"

Introduction In the early 1970s, two young tech enthusiasts named Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs embarked on a journey that would eventually lead to the creation of Apple Inc., one of the world’s most iconic technology companies. However, before they revolutionized the world of personal computing, they delved into a different kind of innovation: hacking … Continue reading "Year 1971: Early Days Of Phone Phreaking With Steve Wozniak & Steve Jobs"

Introduction Step into the time machine, back to 1971, an era where breakfast cereals held not just morning sustenance but the keys to an undiscovered world of phone phreaking. In this whimsical landscape, a maverick named John Draper, famously known as Cap’n Crunch, stumbled upon a discovery that would unravel the secrets of AT&T’s telephone … Continue reading "Year 1971: John Draper- The Hacker Who Used Whistles For His Deeds"

Introduction In the nascent years of computer science, where the digital landscape was uncharted and ARPANET was but a humble experiment, emerged a groundbreaking innovation that would set the tone for the future of cybersecurity. This is the story of Creeper, the first computer virus to traverse the internet—an entity whose genesis was rooted not … Continue reading "Year 1971: Unveiling Creeper – The First Computer Virus"

Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of digital technology, cybersecurity stands as the first line of defence against the dark arts of hacking. One name that reverberates through the corridors of cyber history is that of Kevin Mitnick, whose hacking career spanned from 1970-1995. Join us as we unravel the tale of the cyber wizard who … Continue reading "The Famed Journey Of An Infamous Hacker: Kevin Mitnick"

Introduction Imagine a time when computers were like rare treasures, and the 1960s were all about funky music and wild colors. In this era, at the University of Washington, something unexpected happened—it was like a sneak attack from a digital troublemaker. This troublemaker had a name: the RABBITS Virus, the very first computer virus ever! … Continue reading "Rabbits Virus 1969: The First Virus In The Cybersecurity History"

Introduction With this blog, allow us to take you back to 1962, when the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) was buzzing with the excitement of computing’s early days. Allan Scherr, a student with a penchant for mischief, found a way to leave his mark on the evolving world of computer science. This is the tale … Continue reading "Unveiling Cyber History 1962: Allan Scherr, The First Computer Troll"

Introduction Once upon a time, in the enchanted world of college pranks, a group of audacious minds at Caltech decided to redefine halftime entertainment. Enter the infamous “Fiendish Fourteen”, a group of college students, and their grand masterpiece – The Great Rose Bowl Hoax of 1961. A picturesque Rose Bowl game unfolded between the University … Continue reading "The 1961 Rose Bowl Hoax – A Masterpiece of Wit and Social Engineering"

Unearthing the Untold Stories In the mid-20th century, a peculiar subculture emerged that would forever alter the landscape of telecommunications. Enter the fascinating realm of “phone phreaks” – ingenious individuals who exploited vulnerabilities in the telephone network, leaving an indelible mark on the history of technology and security. The term “phreak” originates from the fusion … Continue reading "A Journey from 1955 to 1980: The Intriguing World of Phone Phreaks"

Unmasking the Tech Hero of WWII In the darkest days of World War II, amidst the Nazi occupation of France, a hero emerged from an unexpected realm – the world of punch-card computers. Meet René Carmille, the unsung pioneer often hailed as the “first ethical hacker.” This blog unveils the gripping tale of how a … Continue reading "Tale of 1940: The Tech Wizardry of WWII’s Unsung Ethical Hacker"

In the turbulent landscape of World War II, where battles raged on land, sea, and air, a silent war of intelligence was being waged in the shadows. While Alan Turing was orchestrating the decryption of the Enigma code at Bletchley Park in Europe, an equally formidable force was at play on the other side of … Continue reading "Decoding World War II: One Message at a Time"

Introduction The allure of wireless communication, often seen as a triumph of modernity, carries a tale from the bygone era of 1903. In the heart of London, Guglielmo Marconi, revered as the father of modern radio technology, faced an unexpected challenge that would forever etch the Wireless Telegraphy Attack of 1903 into the books of … Continue reading "Year 1903: Guglielmo Marconi & the Wireless Telegraph Attack"

Introduction Let’s step into the mesmerizing era of early telephone systems, where every call was a manual orchestration by operators. Unveiling a fascinating chapter, we explore the challenges faced by the pioneers of communication, specifically the unforeseen mischief of teenage operators that shaped the course of telephone security. The Teenage Operators’ Playground In the dawn … Continue reading "Whispers in the Wire: The Saga of 1878 Telephone Hacking"

Introduction Step into a bygone era, where technology was simple, but mischief knew no bounds. Picture this: 1870, a time of switchboards, manual communication, and a teenager who pulled off a historic hack that wasn’t in the digital realm! Today, we’re delving into a fascinating slice of history, uncovering the early days of tech manipulation … Continue reading "Unplugging the Past: A Teen’s Sneaky Tech Adventure in 1870"

Introduction In the vast timeline of human history, the development of communication systems stands as a testament to our relentless pursuit of connection and progress. From the ancient art of conveying messages through smoke signals to the groundbreaking invention of telegraph systems, every step forward has expanded our horizons and brought us closer together. These … Continue reading "Decrypting History: The Enigma of the 1834 French Telegraph Cyber Attack Unveiled"

Introduction In the vast landscape of cybercrime, it is fascinating to trace back the origins of this phenomenon. Surprisingly, the first recorded cybercrime took place as far back as the 19th century, within the intricate web of the textile industry. This article delves into the captivating story of how an innovative technology, the Jacquard Loom, … Continue reading "1820 Textile Industry: Weaving The Threads of the First Cybercrime"