CIH

CIH, also known as "Chernobyl Independent Hacker," was a notorious computer virus and hacking group active during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The group gained notoriety for its sophisticated malware, hacking exploits, and defacement campaigns targeting government, corporate, and educational institutions worldwide. Their activities were characterized by a blend of cyber espionage, information theft, and propaganda.

The name "CIH" became widely recognized after the release of the "CIH virus" in 1998, which was designed to infect Windows operating systems, particularly Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows ME. The virus was notable for its payload that could overwrite the computer's BIOS, rendering affected systems unbootable. The virus caused widespread damage, infecting hundreds of thousands of computers globally, and highlighted vulnerabilities in Windows systems at the time.

Throughout their active years, CIH members released several hacking tools and exploit kits, often accompanied by defacement of targeted websites. Their operations appeared to be motivated by a mix of ideological beliefs, protest against technological vulnerabilities, and the pursuit of notoriety within the cyber underground community.

Law enforcement agencies from various countries attempted to track down the members of CIH, but due to their clandestine nature and use of encryption, anonymity tools, and distributed networks, efforts to apprehend them remain challenging. The group's activities declined in the early 2000s, although their legacy influences considerations of cybersecurity and malware development.

While the individual members and true scope of CIH remain largely anonymous, their impact on cybersecurity history is significant, particularly in illustrating the potential dangers of malware and the importance of robust system security practices.