Ransomware has evolved significantly since its inception in the 1990s, from the AIDS Trojan’s simple encryption to sophisticated strains like CryptoLocker and WannaCry. The rise of cryptocurrency and Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has made ransomware more profitable and accessible, while government-sponsored attacks like NotPetya have highlighted its potential for geopolitical impact. As ransomware continues to evolve, organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their data and systems.