14-Year-Old Japanese Boy Was Arrested for Creating Ransomware

Japan has arrested a 14-year-old boy in Osaka for allegedly creating and distributing ransomware extortion code.

14-Year-Old Japanese Boy Was Arrested for Creating Ransomware Overview

This is the first arrests in Japan involving ransomware, malicious forms that infiltrate user computers, encrypt files that make them unable to access until they pay a ransom, often in the form of bitcoin, to receive the file unlock code.

Japanese media reported that the arrest took place after a high school student created a ransomware virus and uploaded the source code onto the Internet . The student admitted that the allegation said he had incorporated free encryption software to develop his own ransomware, then uploaded to a foreign site. He even showed people how to download and use, spread to blackmail. The boy also promoted the website via social networking, including Twitter, telling users that " I created ransomware. Please feel free to use it ."

According to Japanese police, the student ransomware created by the student allows the downloader to infiltrate the victim's computer, requesting payment in virtual currency. It has been downloaded more than 100 times.

14-year-old boy learns programming and writing ransomware himself

The Japanese government did not reveal the boy's identity, only saying that this student only took 3 days to create ransomware with his personal computer. He said he learned to program and create ransomware by curiosity and wanted to become famous.

Japanese police discovered ransomware while on-line surveys in January and found his computer after searching the home in April. Although learning to program is not a crime, writing malicious code and spreading it for money or other purposes is not encouraged.

Ransomware has been around for many years but has recently become a major threat to individual users and businesses around the world. Last month, ransomware WannaCry attacked more than 300, 000 computers in just 72 hours, creating a stir all over the world.

Security note: Threat conditions and vendor guidance can change. Install current updates and verify any advisory with the official vendor before taking action.