Japan Cops Arrest 14-Year-Old for Creating Ransomware

Ransomware is on the rise with the spread of various virtual currencies. It has been around for a few years, but recently it has become a major cyber threat for users across the world. The WannaCry ransomware which wreaked havoc worldwide last month, has made people wary about cyber security.

Japanese police arrests 14-year-old ransomware maker

Not a month later, comes another shocking case of the Ransomware menace. Japanese cops have have arrested a 14-year-old old boy in connection with Ransomware attacks. This is the first such arrest in Japan which involves a Ransomware-related crime.

See Also: How To Be Safe From WannaCry and Other Ransomware Attacks

The teenage boy from Osaka Prefecture in western Japan is a third year junior in high school. He was arrested on June 5^th  after his successful attempt to create his own virtual ransomware. The Kanagawa Prefectural Police spotted the malware during “cyberpatrolling” duties in January and seized his computer after searching his house in April.

Police chased him as the suspected creator of home grown ransomware that was being spammed out on a social media and hosted on an overseas website. The student took about 3 days to create the ransomware program using his personal computer. He has developed the ransomware on his own to become famous and to test his skills as a programmer.

See Also: Recent Ransomware Attacks 2017

He has used open source encryption source code to create it. The teen’s creation has been downloaded to approximately 100 computers, but no financial losses from the malware has been reported.

The ransomware is a malware, or malicious software programme that prevents users from accessing their computer or files unless they pay certain amount as ransom.

Teen refutes creating ransomware for monetary benefit

The kid said that he had no intentions to rip-off money from people. The only purpose was to be well-known, impress friends and to be cool. But it is not a game to play with ransomware, as it is illegal and can lead to criminal trial.  Maybe authorities are being extra cautious after the WannaCry May attacks, still fresh in memory.

The police said that the ransomware was designed to infect computers after download and demand ransom from the victim in Japanese via digital currency.