Feds continue to prosecute hackers

Robinson+Cole Data Privacy + Security Insider
Contact

Sergey Vovnenko, a Ukrainian hacker, was charged in New Jersey federal court this week for wire fraud conspiracy, unauthorized computer access and aggravated identity theft for allegedly hacking into networks of financial institutions and stealing log-in credentials and credit and debit card information. The indictment alleges that Vovnenko “commandeered thousands of computers to create a virtual army of hacked computers that he and his conspirators used to break into other networks and steal valuable information.”

Vovnenko was able to obtain data from computers through a botnet of over 13,000 computers that were infected with malware, including the well-known “Zeus” which stole banking information by recording keystrokes of the users.

The U.S. Secret Service led the investigation and was assisted by Italian law enforcement. Vovnenko’s arraignment is scheduled for October 19, 2015.

And last week, a California federal jury convicted Matthew Keys, a former social media editor of a news organization of three felonies, including conspiracy to make unauthorized changes to his employer’s website, damage to computer systems and transmitting malicious code. He faces 25 years in prison and fines up to $750,000.

Keys was accused of assisting hacking group Anonymous infiltrate and alter the Los Angeles Times’ website. He was prosecuted under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

[View source.]

DISCLAIMER: Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations.

© Robinson+Cole Data Privacy + Security Insider | Attorney Advertising

Written by:

Robinson+Cole Data Privacy + Security Insider
Contact
more
less

PUBLISH YOUR CONTENT ON JD SUPRA NOW

  • Increased visibility
  • Actionable analytics
  • Ongoing guidance

Robinson+Cole Data Privacy + Security Insider on:

Reporters on Deadline

"My best business intelligence, in one easy email…"

Your first step to building a free, personalized, morning email brief covering pertinent authors and topics on JD Supra:
*By using the service, you signify your acceptance of JD Supra's Privacy Policy.
Custom Email Digest
- hide
- hide