What historical event marked a major milestone in cybersecurity?

The Morris Worm in 1988 is a significant event in the history of cybersecurity because it represented one of the earliest examples of a computer worm that spread widely across the internet. Created by Robert Tappan Morris as an experiment, the worm inadvertently caused substantial disruption. It infected approximately 6,000 computers, which was around 10% of the internet at that time, highlighting vulnerabilities in networked systems and leading to widespread awareness about the need for better security measures.

The incident prompted vital discussions about cybersecurity, leading to increased efforts in developing security protocols, defenses against network-based attacks, and a greater understanding of malicious software's potential impact. Consequently, the Morris Worm played a foundational role in the evolution of cybersecurity practices and policies, marking it as a pivotal moment in the field.