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The evolution of ransomware
Let’s take a journey from floppy disks in 1989, all the way to the legislative moves being made right now, as we cover the evolution of ransomware.
From 1989 to 2026 and beyond
This historical overview tracks ransomware from its early origins to a sophisticated global industry by highlighting three major operational milestones:
- The transition from crude extortion to corporate criminal networks using artificial intelligence and multi-layered pressure tactics
- A targeting shift from isolated individuals to vulnerable businesses, critical infrastructure, and corporate supply chains
- Aggressive UK legal interventions introducing mandatory incident reporting alongside public sector ransom payment bans
