Creeper

First seen

1971-03-01 00:00:00

Malware type

ransomware

Family

Malware family

Profile updated

2026-07-07 16:08:45

Context

Creeper is considered the first known ransomware, designed to demonstrate the concept of self-replicating code. Initially appearing in the early 1970s, it displayed a message asking 'I'm the creeper, catch me if you can!' and highlighted vulnerabilities in security systems.