Hacking History: The First Computer Worm

Explore the fascinating history of computer security in this 40-minute conference talk by Håvard Opheim at NDC Security 2025 in Oslo, Norway. Journey back to November 1988 when the Morris Worm, the first major internet attack, paralyzed computer systems across an entire continent. Learn how Robert Morris released code that exploited vulnerabilities, creating unprecedented chaos that persisted even after system reboots. Discover the evolution of hacking from early printer-based password bypasses to sophisticated worms that leveraged architectural weaknesses and predictable user behaviors. Gain valuable security insights from these historical incidents that remain relevant in today's cybersecurity landscape. This engaging historical retrospective demonstrates how theoretical security threats became devastating realities, forever changing how we approach network security.