When evolutionary biologist Joseph Popp coded the first documented piece of ransomware in 1989, he had little idea it would become a major criminal business model capable of bringing economies to their knees.

Popp, who worked for the World Health Organization at the time, wanted to warn people about the dangers of ignoring health warnings, poor sexual hygiene and (human) virus transmission.

He sent out 20,0000 floppy discs that, when loaded, flashed up a demand for money to regain files that had supposedly been encrypted (in fact, it was just their file names). He was later arrested and charged with 11 counts of blackmail, but declared mentally unfit to stand trial.

In 1996, two Columbia University computer scientists published a paper explaining how criminals could use more sophisticated versions of Popp’s scheme to mount large-scale extortion operations. At the heart of this was malicious software that could be used to encrypt, block access to or steal a person or organisation’s files and data.

However, two preconditions still had to be met for ransomware to become a feasible criminal business: communication channels that were difficult to monitor, and a payments process outside financial regulation.

The Tor protocol, released by US intelligence services to protect their covert communications, solved the first problem in 2004. Cryptocurrencies solved the second – in particular, when bitcoin cash machines started appearing in North American cities from 2013.

Today, artifical intelligence makes malware coding and crafting convincing phishing-emails in any language simple. And the latest model in Anthropic’s AI system, Claude Mythos, recently proved more effective at hacking into computer systems than humans.

As an expert in extortive crime, I am increasingly concerned about public and political apathy to the threats posed by ransomware. To better understand these, it’s worth tracing its evolution over the past two decades – and how improvements in computer security and law enforcement, plus changes in data regulation, have led to new criminal strategies each time.

Cut out the middlemen

The first generation, which came to global attention in the mid-2010s, was known as “commodity ransomware”. A pioneering example, Cryptolocker, was developed by Russia-based hackers who infiltrated hundreds of thousands of computers, seeking to cut out the middlemen previously needed to commit financial fraud. They proved that a large majority of their victims would happily pay a small ransom to restore data that had been locked by their malware.

As both competent and incompetent hackers piled into this new market, victims shared information about rogue operators and put them out of business. This led to the second generation of ransomware such as Ryuk, which emerged in 2018.

In this phase, criminals abandoned the indiscriminate “spray-and-pray” approach in favour of targeting individual cash-rich businesses. They would set an individual ransom, negotiate with the company, and even offer to help with decryption if paid. Fast-rising ransoms more than compensated for this increased administrative effort.

In response, many companies began investing in multi-factor authentication, better threat monitoring, advance warning systems and software patches for known vulnerabilities.

However, these security benefits were soon offset by the impact of COVID on work practices across the world. The pandemic led to widespread remote working, with many people using unsecured devices and connections that were vulnerable to cyber-attack.

A multibillion-dollar industry

The next ransomware innovation was driven by the emergence of back-up systems that enabled companies to restore encrypted files without the criminals’ help. This was coupled with the emergence of tighter data privacy regulation such as GDPR in Europe and the UK.

Invented in 2019, third-generation ransomware weaponised these regulations, which threatened firms with massive fines if confidential data about clients or staff was revealed. The criminal gangs now sought out and exfiltrated an organisation’s most sensitive files, then threatened to publicise them through dedicated dark web leak sites.

This so-called double-extortion model – encrypting an organisation’s data while threatening to make it public – brought many businesses back to the negotiation table.

Ransomware had become a multibillion-dollar industry – with the Conti gang, sheltered by Russia and employing hundreds of people, among the key players setting new records for ransomware demands. Its attacks on critical infrastructure and hospitals saw it sanctioned by the UK government in 2023.

This new approach forced many governments to row back on imposing hefty fines for data breaches, since many were the result of criminal attacks. Meanwhile, new initiatives by law enforcement – supported by the private sector – targeted and broke up the largest and most egregious ransomware gangs.

Today’s fourth generation of ransomware, building on the latest AI technology, looks nimbler and slimmed-down in comparison. Anyone who gains access to a network can lease weapons-grade malware on the dark web without forming long-term ties with a particular gang.

Advanced AI-based hacking tools make ransomware accessible to many more criminals and politically motivated hacktivists. And around one-quarter of breaches still result in ransom payments. For criminals sheltered by their governments, only the digital infrastructure is at risk of being taken down by western law enforcement.

Lessons not learned

While coverage of Claude Mythos suggests even the most sophisticated cyber defences could now be vulnerable, the troubling reality is that many individuals and organisations are still using out-of date, unpatched or only partially upgraded software. This means even early-generation ransomware techniques are still lucrative.

While Popp sent out his floppy discs to promote better sexual hygiene, today’s poor cyberhygiene is leaving many public and private networks open to malware attacks. The intended lesson of his original ransomware caper – be vigilant and properly heed health warnings – has still only been partially learnt in the digital world.

Many western societies appear to have grown accepting of criminals leaching on business conducted on the internet. Not even a steady stream of human fatalities, caused by attacks on hospitals and medical providers, has generated the level of response required to stamp out this dangerous threat.

The hope that governments sheltering cybercriminals can be encouraged (or forced) to stop them targeting critical national infrastructure appears increasingly fragile amid current geopolitical tensions. At all levels of society, we need to get smarter about cyber defence.

‘It’s little things like going out for a meal and not having to worry about where you’re sitting or going on an aeroplane and not worrying, if you’re in the middle seat, about encroaching on anyone else.’

A Scottish woman who shed more than half her body weight has credited small, straightforward lifestyle changes with delivering a remarkable transformation – and not skinny jabs. Karen Heffernan, who lives just outside Glasgow, took action following what she described as ‘a bit of a health scare and a bit of a difficult conversation with a surgeon.’

Rather than counting calories, she turned to a fitness app to guide her through a series of gradual, incremental changes and, over roughly 18 months, she lost 14 and a half stone (94kg) — more than half her starting weight of 26 and a half stone.

She says both physically and mentally she’s in the best shape of her life, adding: “I can’t believe it’s actually been so simple. I’ve not felt deprived along the way, my motto just now is ‘delay don’t deny.’ You can have the treats, you have the yin and the yang, you build things up. This isn’t through surgery, it’s not through medication or any of that, some vitamins along the way, yes, but good food, good exercise, good sleep and motivation to keep you going along the way.”

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She described how her health overhaul had transformed her day-to-day existence, boosting her energy levels alongside a wealth of other benefits, adding: “It’s little things like going out for a meal and not having to worry about where you’re sitting or going on an aeroplane and not worrying, if you’re in the middle seat, about encroaching on anyone else.”

Despite her impressive weight loss, Karen has avoided the issue of loose skin, which she attributes to intermittent fasting. Not only did this approach support a healthier path to losing weight, but research from Cambridge University also indicates that it carries anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to skin renewal and elasticity.

Fitness and wellbeing apps have surged in popularity over recent years, with a notable spike during the pandemic as people sought ways to keep active throughout lockdown. From meal-tracking tools such as MyFitnessPal and LoseIt to digital workout platforms like Hevy, there is now a vast array of options to help people keep their fitness goals within easy reach.

The Simple app brings together the best features of many of these platforms into a single package, offering fitness options spanning strength training and cardio to chair yoga, alongside a range of cutting-edge tools. These include NutriScanner, which assesses the nutritional content of meals using just a photograph, and an intermittent fasting tracker for those looking to swap calorie counting for this widely popular method – also central to Michael Mosley’s 16:8 plan, which aims to rev up metabolism by adjusting mealtimes.

There is also an AI-powered assistant called Avo, on hand to offer guidance and respond to queries throughout the process. The Simple app is currently offering 80% off with code REACH at checkout. Upon signing up, users complete an online questionnaire about their goals and preferences regarding diet and exercise. This information is used to create a fully personalised plan tailored to each individual’s needs and schedule.

Karen explained: “I started small, I found the intermittent fasting lifestyle, did a lot of research and I gradually built things up. Simple was a great way to track the fasts that I was doing and gives you tips along the way. I also introduced Avo, which was great in giving you some tips for health and nutrition and making recipes.

“One of my first tips is to just keep going. Guilt? Get it out the window. There’s always the next day where you can start again and get on the journey. Exercise is really important. Now I do core stability, I’m doing pilates and you can’t stop me from walking. I take the family on little walks after a meal.”

Karen is among more than 17 million users globally who have downloaded the app to help boost their fitness levels. The Simple Life App holds an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 on Trustpilot, based on more than 28,000 reviews.

One five-star reviewer said they ‘couldn’t say enough good things about this app,’ adding: “Love this app. It’s teaching me how to make eating healthy and being active a lifestyle that I can continue on my own. Love the workouts that I can adjust from low to high depending on my time and energy. Logging food and water is easy, as well as using their AI to get recipes from a list that I have in my pantry and fridge to scanning menus at restaurants to help me choose the best option.”

A second reviewer praised Avo for helping keep her motivated, adding: “The coach is helpful. Also, when I fall off track the coach doesn’t make me feel like I failed the day. It is very encouraging and helps keep me motivated and focused.”

Not everyone is won over, however. One three-star reviewer commented: “I feel tied to my phone. It’s not good for me.”

Yet that same portability proved to be a major selling point for another user, who described it as ‘one of the best weight loss and lifestyle apps I’ve ever used,’ adding: “It’s the best culmination of evidence based strategies (fasting, Mediterranean diet, mindfulness, etc) plus the power of AI, which is like having a personal health coach or therapist in your pocket. Also, I love that tracking is so easy and more focused on the quality of food choices vs cumbersome portion size and nutrition tracking like programs of the past.”

The Simple app can be downloaded on Android and iOS devices and is 80% off by using the code REACH at checkout.

Real simple users are featured who have been compensated for their honest testimonials. Results may vary.

When Donald Trump deported a group of Venezuelan nationals to El Salvador in 2025, it was the fulfilment of a long-held wish. Across both of his administrations Trump has pushed officials to find ways to brutalise immigrants, particularly those who are undocumented, believing that doing so will deter others from making the trip.

The Venezuelan nationals were destined for El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center, known as Cecot. When they arrived, according to a Human Rights Watch report, they were subjected to systematic beatings, sexual abuse and psychological duress.

The Trump administration amplified reports of conditions in the prison. Trump’s former homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, for example, filmed a video inside Cecot in 2025 in which she thanked El Salvador for “bringing our terrorists here and incarcerating them”.

Trump’s deportations were a chilling sign of how easy it is for US presidents to sidestep the constitution. If Cecot were in the US, it would be recognised as a site of illegal abuses. The constitution’s protection against “cruel and unusual punishments” would cause judges to order it shut down – and it is likely that political outrage would not cease until that order was followed.

Yet by making an agreement with El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, Trump managed to get around these legal and political obstacles. In a recent paper, I explored how Trump’s deportations are part of a broader pattern of what I call “presidential extra-territorialization” – American presidents acting in or through a foreign jurisdiction to circumvent the US constitution.

There is a long-term pattern of cooperation between presidents from both the Republican and Democratic parties and the leaders of foreign countries. It is a pattern that could have grave implications for the future of US democracy.

Outsourcing abuses

The ability of US presidents to engage in this outsourcing of abuses is rooted in two things. First, their control over the vast capabilities of the modern executive branch, with its array of spies, soldiers and law enforcement officials. And second, control over US diplomacy, which is enshrined in Supreme Court precedent.

In 1936, the court ruled that the president is “the sole organ of the federal government in the field of international relations”. This has commonly been interpreted as meaning US presidents cannot be constrained by the other branches of government when conducting diplomacy.

Combined, these factors mean presidents face fewer constraints in foreign affairs than in the domestic realm. They are able to avoid oversight from the courts and Congress by keeping agreements with other governments secret and by acting too fast to be stopped. If they can find just one foreign government willing to enable them, then what is not possible at home suddenly becomes possible overseas.

This lack of constraint was evident in Trump’s deportations. The US government sent the men to El Salvador despite a last-minute ruling by a federal court ordering their return.

And once they were in El Salvador, the Trump administation claimed it was no longer responsible for them and could not be expected to bring them back. The Supreme Court stepped in to pause further such deportations, but only weeks after the fact.

Other examples of the power and flexibility of extra-territorialization became apparent during the “war on terror”, when successive US presidents faced the issue of where to send detainees who were suspected terrorists.

If they were brought to the US, they would have had constitutional rights and could not have been tortured or indefinitely imprisoned. So presidents from Bill Clinton in the 1990s onward established a series of agreements with other countries to take and mistreat them instead.

After the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the Bush administration established a series of “black sites” in countries such as Poland, Thailand and Romania in which to hold detainees in secret. Abuses were committed directly by US agents, but still beyond the reach of US courts. The administration held prisoners at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba too, another place where the constitution’s reach was limited.

Presidents can also shift territory in response to attempts to constrain their actions. When the US Supreme Court ruled that detainees at Guantanamo Bay had to be afforded certain rights in 2008, the Obama administration transferred some detainees to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Bagram was not covered by the Supreme Court ruling.

As a US court of appeals noted in 2010, the ability to shift territories so easily seemed to allow the administration to “switch the constitution on or off at will”.

Yet another example of extra-territorialization is the “Five Eyes” intelligence agreement between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and US. As part of this pact, members have been reported to spy on each other’s citizens – an outsourcing of surveillance that allows each to circumvent domestic privacy constraints.

The fact that Trump has engaged in extra-territorialization so openly, in contrast to previous administrations who tried to keep it hidden, is a stark warning.

Even when the president said he was exploring a proposal to send US citizens to Cecot in April 2025, he received little pushback from within his own party. This suggests they have accepted it as a legitimate strategy to achieve policy goals.

In the hyper-polarised atmosphere of contemporary US politics, extra-territorialization is threatening to become a regular tool of governance. To stop that from happening, it is vital to expose and confront it. But first we must understand it.

Cllr McDonald “brought knowledge and enthusiasm to all that she did”.

South Lanarkshire Council has said that Councillor Lesley McDonald sadly passed away after a short illness.

Cllr McDonald was chair of the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee at the time of her death, and had served as an elected member for Ward 20 (Larkhall) from 2007 to 2017, and again since 2022.

The council’s chief executive Paul Manning said: “Councillor McDonald was a hard-working councillor and much-liked across the political groups.

“I can say from years of experience of working with her, that she was extremely supportive as chair of the Finance and Corporate Resource, and she brought knowledge and enthusiasm to all that she did.

“Everyone who knew Lesley will know that this extended well beyond politics and the workings of the council – she was a real aficionado of the works of Robert Burns and a passionate supporter of the Scottish rugby team and Glasgow Warriors, among many other interests.

“Cllr McDonald will be greatly missed and as a sign of respect the council’s flags have been lowered to half-mast for two days. They will be placed similarly on the day of her funeral.”

Cllr McDonald was also chair of the Machan Trust in Larkhall.

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Today, Olly Robbins the sacked former Foreign Office chief, says number 10 had a “dismissive” attitude to the vetting of Lord Mandelson.

Robbins told MPs when he took over the role there was “already a very very strong expectation” from No 10 that Mandelson “needed to be in post and in America as quickly as possible”. Downing Street has denied showing a “dismissive” approach to the vetting, and says Robbins made an “error of judgement”.

So where does this leave the Prime Minister? Adam and Chris discuss.

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Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris. The social producer was . The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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It’s a big week for the detective sergeant as she and fiancee Carla Connor will tie the knot

Coronation Street fans were quick to share their upset on Lisa Swain’s behalf as they made a ‘heartbreaking’ observation about the popular character.

It’s a big week for the detective sergeant as she and fiancee Carla Connor will tie the knot, making them the first two women to successfully do so in the ITV soap’s 65-year history.

Ahead of their nuptials taking place, during Sunday’s (April 19) episode of Corrie saw Carla heading to the Chariot Square Hotel where she was seen being shown around by her nephew, Ryan Connor, as she plotted what the day will look like, finding out that that event won’t be totally private as hotel guests will still be able to mingle in shared areas.

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But Carla was soon distracted as she picked up a phonecall from Sheila, the maternal grandmother of her baby niece, Connie. As Corrie fans know, the little one recently ended up in Carla and Lisa’s care after Sheila needed someone to look after Connie, the daughter of Carla’s brother, Rob Donovan, while she headed into the hospital for an operation.

Sheila confirmed to Carla that she was now well enough to look after Connie again, and back at No.6, a clearly upset Carla was seen packing up the tot’s belongings and avoiding having to say goodbye. Eventually, Lisa stepped in but before Carla could say a farewell to Connie, Sheila arrived.

Despite being heartbroken by Connie’s departure, as they saying goes, the show must go on, and Lisa was seen preparing for her big day by practising her wedding vows on her daughter, Betsy. Her mum’s words left the teen in tears, ones she couldn’t stop when Carla emerged and wondered what was going on.

As Betsy gushed over Lisa’s vows, panic swept through Carla’s body and she later turned to Betsy herself, revealing she was considering using the internet to help her write her vows, until the teen stepped in.

With vows put to one side, Tuesday’s (April 21) episode of Corrie saw it was time for Carla’s hen and while she and Betsy headed for a night in the Rovers Return, Lisa went off to what she thought would be her own hen organised by her police colleagues. However, as Sally Metcalfe nipped out to the corner shop for some supplies, she found Lisa looking at meals for one.

She dragged her over to the Rovers where Carla and Betsy were quick to feel sorry for the DS when she revealed her colleagues hadn’t actually planned anything at all. While Lisa said she was fine with that being the case and she didn’t want to crash Carla’s night, her future wife gave her no choice and she was soon sporting a devil horn headband like the rest of the partygoers.

But the moment did get Corrie fans flocking to social media. @terrilindsay said: “Right @itvcorrie I need you to give Lisa some friends or more family because this is the saddest thing ever. Also whilst I’m putting my requests in, can we have her birthday as well please? Cheers #Swarla.” @ediitedbysoph asked: “Why Corrie? WHY ARE YOU DOING LISA LIKE THAT?!?”

@carrlaconnor complained: “Right so who on that writing staff has it out for lisa swain and is hell bent on humiliating her at every turn?” @WayhaughtLunar commented: “Right who do I need to speak to, to get Lisa some friends because that was just heartbreaking watching her having to admit no one organised anything for her! #Swarla #Corrie.”

@lifesinpiecesx posted: “That was cute but I’d convinced myself there was a really good reason Lisa wasn’t having a hen night, not just that she doesn’t have any friends #swarla.” But @Emmmmmer added: “As sad as it makes me that she has no friends,I actually kinda find it intriguing. Why doesn’t she have friends?Has she always had no friends? I wish they would dig deeper into her backstory so we could understand why she is the way she is.Her character is fascinating #swarla.”

A veteran diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer was turned away by the Department of Veterans Affairs after being told he makes too much money to qualify for healthcare benefits, he has claimed.

Chuck Brewer, a father and grandfather, was diagnosed with colon cancer with lung metastasis in March, according to a GoFundMe page established by his sister.

Brewer joined the Army at 20 years old and served in the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper. He was stationed in North Carolina and worked as an administrative specialist. After receiving an honorable discharge, Brewer received his degree in social work and spent two decades working in pharmaceutical and medical sales, WKYT reported.

In March, Brewer, who lives in Kentucky, was diagnosed with cancer. “It was very difficult. It was scary at first, but I think I was more scared for my family,” Brewer told WKYT.

While Brewer has not started chemotherapy, he is currently facing the high costs of other procedures and a monthly ostomy bag. He says he went to the VA office for healthcare support but was told he makes too much money to qualify for benefits.

The VA does support veterans and their families but specific benefits vary by state. According to the VA website, a person’s eligibility for care is determined by their income and other factors.

Households which earned $63,086 or more in 2025 may not be eligible based on income but some veterans may still qualify for care based on their VA disability rating, according to the website. The Independent has contacted the VA for comment.

Brewer’s sister, Glena Doorlag, started a GoFundMe page to try to pay for his medical bills, writing that “after multiple surgeries and cancer treatments, the cost will be astronomical, something they cannot afford.”

She continued: “Chuck is the kind of man people naturally gravitate toward. The one who can make you laugh when you need it most and remind you, without even trying, what a good heart looks like. Chuck has spent his life showing strength, resiliences, and quiet courage. But beyond his service, he is, first and foremost, a devoted family man.”

“He is a loving son, a loyal brother, a dedicated husband to his wife Becky, and a proud father to Tiffany, Kelsey, Kaitlyn, and their 8 year old son Cash. And grandfather to Colton,” the fundraiser adds.

The fundraising page had received $16,000 in donations by Tuesday. “I’m appreciative, regardless if we don’t earn another dollar,” Brewer said.

The veteran said it was overwhelming to have people give back to him. “Everybody struggles a little bit financially and they’re struggling too, but they still decided to give, so it means a lot,” he said.

Chelsea will hope to arrest their dismal run of form as they head south to visit Brighton this evening. The Blues come into the match winless since putting four past Aston Villa ahead of the March international break, failing even to score in their four league outings since. That run has seen them slip to sixth in the standings, and they could fall further still should they be beaten again this evening.