The 10 Most Impactful Ransomware Attacks in History

Ransomware attacks have evolved from their humble beginnings in 1989 when a Panamanian P.O. box was the destination for a meager $189 ransom. They have grown into a global menace, with unprecedented consequences for governments, corporations, and individuals. This article delves into the ten most impactful ransomware attacks that have left a lasting mark on cybersecurity and the world.

The Most Impactful Ransomware Attacks

1. Colonial Pipeline (May 7, 2021): DarkSide Ransomware struck Colonial Pipeline, crippling fuel supply chains across the Southeastern United States. A $4.4 million ransom was paid, highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyberattacks.
2. Costa Rica (April 17, 2022): Conti ransomware wreaked havoc on Costa Rican government institutions, causing daily losses of $30 million. This attack led to a state of emergency declaration and a glimpse into the chaos ransomware can sow within a nation.
3. Impresa (January 1, 2022): Lapsus$ targeted Portugal’s largest media conglomerate, Impresa, bringing down its websites, newspapers, and T.V. channels. While the ransom amount was not disclosed, this attack exposed the media industry’s vulnerability to cyber threats.
4. JBS USA (May 30, 2021): REvil Ransomware halted operations at JBS USA Holdings Inc., a significant beef manufacturer, until an $11 million bitcoin ransom was paid. This attack raised concerns about the intersection of cybersecurity and the food supply chain.
5. Kronos (December 11, 2021): Ultimate Kronos Group, a global workforce management software maker, faced a ransomware attack that disrupted its services and exposed customer data. The aftermath underscored the importance of third-party risk management.
6. Maersk (June 27, 2017): The NotPetya ransomware attack, attributed to Russian-backed threat operators, cost Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk approximately $300 million. The attack left a trail of destruction across global shipping terminals, showcasing the international reach of ransomware.
7. Swissport (February 3, 2022): Swissport, a Swiss airport services provider, fell victim to a ransomware attack by BlackCat, causing minimal air service disruptions. However, the threat operators’ theft of 1.6 TB of data demonstrated the rising trend of double extortion tactics.
8. Travelex (December 31, 2019): REvil Ransomware targeted Travelex, once the world’s largest foreign exchange bureau, leading to a $2.3 million ransom payment and eventual bankruptcy. The attack highlighted the vulnerability of financial institutions to cyber threats.
9. U.K. National Health Service (May 2017): The WannaCry ransomware attack disrupted healthcare services in the U.K., costing an estimated £92 million. This attack emphasized the critical need for cybersecurity in healthcare systems worldwide.
10. Ukraine (June 27, 2017): NotPetya, attributed to Russia’s GRU military spy agency, caused an estimated $10 billion in global losses, with Ukraine bearing the brunt. The attack impacted government systems, private companies, and utilities, including the infamous Maersk attack.

Ransomware attacks have come a long way since the days of floppy disks and $189 ransoms. As technology advances, so do the capabilities of cybercriminals. The ten ransomware attacks mentioned here are stark reminders of the need for robust cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to combat this ever-evolving threat. The battle against ransomware attacks continues, and its impact on our interconnected digital world remains a challenge that demands vigilance, innovation, and resilience.

At SpearTip, our I.R. planning engages a three-phase approach, which includes pre-incident, active incident, and post-incident planning processes. SpearTip identifies key stakeholders and decision-makers, critical data, and potential access points in the pre-incident aspect. Then, it engages in a live test, after which we offer remediation guidance. To benefit companies’ teams during an incident, we assist in developing a communications plan designed to detect and isolate the precise threat with a customized strategy map.

The post-incident planning process development includes root cause and investigative audit, improvement analysis, and backup recovery. Our certified engineers are working continuously monitoring companies’ data networks at our 24/7/365 Security Operations Center for potential ransomware attacks and are ready to respond to incidents at a moment’s notice. We work to restore companies’ operations, reclaim their networks by isolating malware, and recover business-critical assets.

If your company is experiencing a breach, call our Security Operations Centers at 833.997.7327 to speak directly with an engineer.