A Virginia man, Sohaib Akhter, 34, was convicted on federal charges after a jury found him guilty of deleting 96 government databases and stealing an individual's password, leading to their email account being accessed without permission.
Akhter was found guilty of conspiracy to commit computer fraud, password trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, according to the Department of Justice.
Crime Spree and Motivations
Akhter allegedly began his crime spree by providing his twin brother, Muneem, with the password of someone who filed a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The complainant's email account was then accessed without their consent, according to a Department of Justice press release.
Shortly after the incident, Akhter's employer learned that he had previously been convicted of felonies and fired him and his brother, the press release said. The government said that after the firings, the brothers "sought to harm their employer and its U.S. government customers by accessing computers without authorization, write-protecting databases, deleting databases, and destroying evidence of their unlawful activities."
Employer and Government Impact
Although their employer is not named in the indictments, prosecutors said it is based in Washington, D.C., and provides software services to more than 45 U.S. federal agencies, including the EEOC.
Akhter's sentencing date is September 9, and he faces up to 21 years in prison. In 2015, he pled guilty to federal charges that included conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to access a protected computer without authorization, and conspiracy to access a government computer without authorization. He spent two years in prison.
Previous Convictions and Cybercrime
This is not Akhter's first conviction for cybercrime. His previous convictions demonstrate a pattern of behavior that has led to significant harm to individuals and government agencies.
The case highlights the importance of protecting sensitive information and the consequences of cybercrime. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of background checks and the measures in place to prevent individuals with a history of cybercrime from accessing sensitive information.
The Department of Justice has not released further information about the case, but it is clear that Akhter's actions had significant consequences for the government agencies and individuals affected.
As the sentencing date approaches, it is likely that more information will become available about the case and the measures being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Cybersecurity Implications
The case has significant implications for cybersecurity and the protection of sensitive information. It highlights the need for robust security measures and effective background checks to prevent individuals with a history of cybercrime from accessing sensitive information.
The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of current cybersecurity measures and the need for more robust protections to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the threat of cybercrime continues to evolve, it is essential that government agencies and individuals take proactive steps to protect sensitive information and prevent similar incidents from occurring.
- The incident involved the deletion of 96 government databases.
- Akhter was found guilty of conspiracy to commit computer fraud, password trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
- The case highlights the importance of protecting sensitive information and the consequences of cybercrime.
The case of Sohaib Akhter serves as a reminder of the significant consequences of cybercrime and the need for robust security measures to protect sensitive information.
The government said that after the firings, the brothers "sought to harm their employer and its U.S. government customers by accessing computers without authorization, write-protecting databases, deleting databases, and destroying evidence of their unlawful activities."
The incident has significant implications for cybersecurity and the protection of sensitive information, and it is likely that more information will become available about the case and the measures being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Source: The Record