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Today we're taking a look at the most dangerous hackers in history. From stealing millions of dollars to breaking into government security systems, these people changed the digital world forever. Find out who's behind the biggest attacks and how they were caught.
In this thread:
Content:
Introduction.
Imagine someone using an ordinary computer to break into the most secure systems in the world, from the Pentagon's servers to your bank accounts. Today, we'll dive into the most shocking stories of hackers who didn't just break systems, they changed reality. Each of these stories is about more than just hacking. It's about genius, ambition, and that fine line between hero and villain.
Story #1: Jonathan James - The Youngest Hacker to Break Into NASA Systems
Jonathan James, known by his nickname Comrade, became a legend in the hacker world as the youngest hacker to break into the US government and NASA systems.
His genius was evident in his teens, and his hacks became an example of how talent can be combined with audacity. Born in 1983, he was fascinated with computers from an early age. By the age of 13, he had already mastered the basics of programming and began studying the vulnerabilities of computer systems.
In 1999, at the age of 16, James broke into NASA’s network and stole $1.7 million worth of software. The software was used to control the life support of the International Space Station. How did he do it? He hacked into the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s network. Through the agency, he gained access to NASA employee logins and passwords.
Jonathan stole 13 megabytes of source code, which contained important algorithms for controlling space hardware. NASA had to shut down its systems for three weeks to fix the vulnerabilities and prevent further leaks. NASA agents were shocked that the hack was carried out by a teenager operating from his bedroom. James claimed that the stolen code was useless without specialized equipment, so he never planned to use it.
After NASA discovered the leak, the FBI launched an investigation. Using traces left by James on the network, agents tracked him down and arrested him in 2000. Jonathan became the first juvenile convicted of cybercrime in the United States. The court sentenced him to six months of house arrest and banned him from using computers for the duration of his sentence.
James never tried to profit from his hacks, which contributed to a lighter sentence. In 2007, already free, Jonathan came under suspicion of a series of hacks of large retailers, but his involvement was never proven. These accusations put a lot of pressure on him. In 2008, at the age of 24, James committed suicide, leaving a note in which he denied his involvement in the latest attacks and claimed that he could no longer live under constant pressure.
"I do not believe in justice. Perhaps my death will serve as a lesson to society." After Jonathan's death, his nickname Comrade became one of the symbols of the hacker movement.
Story #2: Graham Ivan Clark - The Teenage Hacker Who Hacked Twitter and Stole the Accounts of Barack Obama, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Elon Musk
Graham Ivan Clark, a teenager from Tampa, Florida, who organized one of the most daring cyber attacks in 2020. He managed to hack Twitter and take control of the accounts of a world celebrity.
At the time of the hack, Graham was only 17 years old. Graham used his social engineering skills to gain access to Twitter's internal tools. He started by attacking Twitter employees, posing as a representative of the company's IT department. He called several employees and convinced them to provide login details. He knew how to talk in such a way that people believed that he worked inside the company, this was his main weapon.
The panel he hacked allowed him to edit account settings, change their email and passwords, and post messages on behalf of the owners. Graham took over the accounts of Elon Musk, Barack Obama, Jeff Bezos, and Bill Gates. After taking over the accounts, Graham would post a message encouraging people to send Bitcoin to a specified address with the promise of doubling their amount. “I decided to give back to society. Send Bitcoin to this address and I will double your amount. The promotion lasts 30 minutes.”
In just a few hours, Graham received over 400 transactions and collected about $117,000 in Bitcoin. Despite the small financial result, the attack attracted a lot of attention because of the celebrity whose accounts were hacked. In response to the hack, Twitter disabled tweeting for all verified accounts to prevent further attacks. Cybercrime experts tracked the Bitcoin transactions used in the scheme.
Despite the anonymity of the cryptocurrency, law enforcement was able to link the wallet to real identities. During the investigation, it was discovered that Graham had two accomplices. In August 2020, Graham was arrested at his home in Florida. During his arrest, computers, phones, and Bitcoin wallets were seized, proving his involvement. Graham was charged with 30 felonies, including fraud and unlawful access to computers.
In 2021, he made a deal with prosecutors, pleading guilty. Graham was sentenced to three years in a juvenile facility. He was also prohibited from using computers without permission from the court.
Story #3: Kane Gamble - the teenager who hacked the CIA and the Pentagon
Kane Gamble is a British teenager who became famous for his daring hacks. At the age of 15, he infiltrated the personal accounts of the CIA director, FBI leaders, the US Secretary of Homeland Security, and Pentagon employees.
He posed as a security officer to convince operators to hand over data. Using confidence in his knowledge of terms, he was able to fool even the most experienced specialists. He also sent fake emails asking for password resets. He used stolen data to pose as an insider.
Kane hacked into the personal email account of CIA Director John Brennan. He gained access to his email correspondence, including internal documents and personal data such as phone numbers, addresses, and contacts. Kane called John Brannon’s wife and pretended to be a bank employee to gain access to their financial data. He left angry messages on the answering machine of the Secretary of Homeland Security. “You are a threat to democracy and privacy.
People need to know what you are hiding.” He leaked confidential CIA and Pentagon documents online. Among the leaks were data on US operations in the Middle East, personal contacts of intelligence officers, and information about surveillance programs. Kane used the data he obtained to hack several government websites, where he posted provocative messages, including slogans against the American government. In an interview after his arrest, he admitted that he acted within the framework of his teenage idea of justice.
In 2016, Kane was arrested by British police right at his home. In 2018, he was found guilty. The court sentenced him to two years in a juvenile detention center. Kane later admitted that his actions got out of control, but he did not regret trying to show the world the truth.
Story # 4: Adrian Lamo - hacking the systems of the largest corporations.
Adrian Lamo, known as the Rogue Hacker, became famous for his hacks into the systems of major corporations such as Microsoft, Yaha, and the New York Times.
Lamo got the nickname Rogue Hacker because he preferred to lead a nomadic lifestyle. He began his hacking activities by penetrating the networks of local companies. In 2001, Adrian broke into the networks of Yahoo and Microsoft to demonstrate the vulnerabilities of their systems. He did no damage, but gained access to confidential data.
In 2002, Lamo hacked into the internal network of the New York Times and gained access to their database, including information about VIPs. After the hack, he added his name to the list of experts of the publication, posing as a consultant. The US authorities perceived his actions as a serious crime. Lamo never tried to monetize his hacks. He claimed that he did it to improve the security of companies.
In 2002, the FBI launched an investigation. Adrian agreed to surrender to the authorities after hiding for several months. In 2004, he was sentenced to six months of house arrest and a fine of $65,000. The court took into account that Lamo did not cause harm and actively cooperated with the investigation. Chelsea Manning is a US Army soldier who leaked thousands of classified documents to WikiLeaks, exposing US actions in military operations.
In 2010, Manning contacted Lama via encrypted chat, sharing information about the data leaked to WikiLeaks. She told Lama about her role in the leak and revealed classified details, including evidence of war crimes. Lamo reported the contents of the chats to the FBI, citing her responsibility to the country. Based on this data, Chelsea Manning was arrested and sentenced to 35 years in prison.
The hacker community accused Lamo of treason, calling him an informant. He justified himself by saying that he could not ignore such a large-scale leak, considering it a threat to national security. Lamo later admitted that his decision to report Manning was the most difficult in his life. After the revelation of Manning, Lamo tried to work as a cybersecurity consultant, but his reputation was destroyed.
Many hackers avoided contact with him, fearing that he could cooperate with the authorities again. After the events with Manning, Lamo suffered from depression and constant anxiety. In interviews, he said that he lived in isolation due to threats and pressure. Adrian Lamo passed away in 2018, at the age of 37. The cause of death is unknown, but health complications were assumed.
Story #5: Albert Gonzalez - Organizer of the Largest Theft of Credit Data in History
Albert Gonzalez is one of the most famous hackers of our time, who has become a symbol of cybercrime in the financial sector.
He led a network of hackers that stole over 170 million credit and debit card details, making his attacks the largest in history. Gonzalez began his hacking career not with major hacks, but with small-time online fraud. However, his ability to manipulate people and systems quickly took him to the next level. As a teenager, he began to show an interest in computers and soon discovered the world of hacking.
In school, Gonzalez began by studying the weaknesses of local area networks. At 17, he hacked his school’s system to change his grades. In 2003, he was arrested for the first time for buying stolen credit card details on underground forums. However, instead of facing serious punishment, Albert began working with the US Secret Service, helping to identify other cybercriminals.
Gonzalez became a double agent, simultaneously working for the government and continuing his illegal operations. Gonzalez united talented hackers into an international group that specialized in hacking the payment systems of large companies. Their main target was credit card data. They used SQL injections to penetrate databases, installed spyware on company servers to intercept card data in real time, hacked post-terminals to steal information right at the moment of transaction.
In 2005, Gonzalez infiltrated the network of TGX, one of the largest retailers in the world. He stole data from more than 45 million cards through post-terminals. This was the first major data theft of such a scale. The company suffered damages of 256 million dollars.
In 2007, Gonzalez and his team infiltrated the system of Hersland, one of the largest payment processors in the United States. They stole data from 130 million cards, which was the largest data leak in history at that time. They used malware to record card data while it was being processed by the system. This data was then sold on underground forums for bitcoins. In 2008, agents discovered his connection to an international hacker network when one of the group members leaked information. His target was Citibank, one of the largest banks in the world. Levin successfully stole millions of dollars using methods that were ahead of their time. Levin was born in St. Petersburg and graduated from the Leningrad Technological Institute, specializing in biochemistry. After graduating, he worked in various fields until he became interested in computers and programming.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Gonzalez was the mastermind behind the largest attacks. Gonzalez was arrested in 2008 in Miami. During a search of his apartment, agents found $1.6 million in cash hidden in popcorn boxes and three laptops with evidence of his involvement in the attacks. Albert was charged with 19 counts, including data theft, fraud, and organizing a criminal group.
The damage from his actions was estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars. In 2010, Gonzalez was sentenced to 20 years in prison, which became one of the harshest punishments for cybercrime in US history. The court called his actions a threat to national security.
Story #6: Vladimir Levin - Russian hacker who stole millions from banks.
Vladimir Levin is a Russian hacker who became famous in the mid-nineties thanks to one of the first major cyberattacks on the international banking system.
In the 1990s, Levin began studying the vulnerabilities of banking systems. He worked with a group of like-minded people, studying how to penetrate the system of international banks. At that time, the Internet was in its infancy, and banking systems did not yet have the modern level of protection. Levin studied the protocols of the SWIFT system and found vulnerabilities in the way transactions were authorized.
He was able to intercept the data used for authorization and fake transfers. Levin operated from his office in St. Petersburg, using a simple laptop and a telephone connection to connect to the Citibank system. He gained access to the accounts of the bank's clients using intercepted logins and passwords. Using fake transfers, Levin redirected funds to bank accounts in various countries.
The total amount of funds stolen was $ 10.7 million. Levin did not leave Russia during the attacks, making him one of the first hackers to use the Internet to commit international crimes. During a routine check, bank employees noticed suspicious transfers to foreign accounts. In 1994, Citibank contacted the FBI and launched an internal investigation. The bank hired cybersecurity experts and worked with international law enforcement agencies to track the money and find the hacker.
American agents began coordinating efforts with Interpol to capture Levin. In 1995, Levin traveled to London on personal business. British police arrested him at Heathrow Airport at the request of American authorities. Levin was extradited to the United States, where he was charged with cyber fraud and theft. In 1998, a court found Levin guilty.
He was sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of $240,000. Although most of the money was recovered, about $400,000 was never found. It is believed that Levin took on more responsibility than he actually had to in order to protect other members of his group. Levin's attack was the first major alarm bell for the banking industry. Vladimir Levin is still considered one of the most brilliant hackers who managed to hack a bank without leaving his office.
Story #7: Evgeny Bogachev is a Russian hacker who was named the most wanted cybercriminal in the world by the US.
Evgeny Bogachev, known by his nickname Slavik, is a Russian hacker who was named the most wanted cybercriminal in the world by the US. His main work is the development of the sophisticated malware Game Over Zeus, with the help of which he and his team stole hundreds of millions of dollars from individuals, companies and banks around the world.
Bogachev was such a successful hacker that the FBI offered a $3 million reward for information leading to his capture. This is a record for a cybercriminal. Evgeny Bogachev was born in Russia, presumably in Rostov-on-Don in the 1980s. In the early 2000s, he began studying ways to hack systems to make money. His move into the criminal world was prompted by the growing demand for stolen data, especially in the banking sector.
Bogachev developed the first version of the virus in the early 2000s, but it was not until 2007 that its activities became a global threat. Game Over Zeus is a sophisticated banking Trojan designed to steal user credentials, logins, and passwords. It used infected computers to create a global botnet capable of carrying out cyberattacks, data theft, and money laundering.
How did the virus work? The virus was distributed through phishing emails or infected websites. Once the victim opened the malicious file, the virus penetrated the system. Game Over Zeus captured user data when they entered logins and passwords on banking sites. The hackers then transferred the money to their accounts or bought cryptocurrency. Game Over Zeus created a network of hundreds of thousands of infected computers around the world.
These computers were used for large-scale attacks, including DDoS and sending spam. The FBI estimates that the Game Over Zeus virus allowed Bogachev and his team to steal more than $100 million from individuals and companies around the world. Bogachev also used Game Over Zeus to attack US government networks. In 2013, Bogachev released another virus, CryptoLocker, which became the basis for modern ransomware attacks.
The virus encrypted files on the victim’s computer and demanded a ransom in bitcoins for their recovery. CryptoLocker earned its creators more than $30 million in just a few months. In 2014, an international coalition of law enforcement agencies launched an operation to destroy the Game Over Zeus network. Experts were able to disable the botnet infrastructure, which temporarily paralyzed Bogachev’s operations.
Despite the destruction of the botnet, Bogachev himself remained at large. According to the FBI, he is hiding in Russia and is under the protection of Russian intelligence services. Bogachev is credited with ties to the Russian government, who allegedly used him for cyber espionage. Game Over Zeus became one of the most effective viruses in history, which affected more than 1 million devices worldwide.
Bogachev was not only a virus creator, but also an organizer of a shadow market for stolen data. His botnet was used by other hackers to carry out attacks. Bogachev is the only hacker to be included in the FBI's Most Wanted list.
Story #8: Astra - the mysterious Georgian hacker who sold secrets of weapons technology.
Astra is the pseudonym of a mysterious hacker from Georgia who infiltrated the networks of the world's largest weapons companies for almost a decade. His real name has never been revealed, making him one of the most mysterious figures in the history of cybercrime.
According to investigators, Astra was a professional mathematician. It is believed that he used his mathematical knowledge to create complex hacking tools and code analysis. Due to the sensitivity of the case and the leaks related to military technology, the authorities decided to keep his real name secret. This minimized the risk of secrets being used by other criminals or government agents.
The hacker used advanced hacking techniques, including exploits and malware, to gain access to the company's internal systems. He stole information about the development of the latest fighter jet models, including parts of weapons systems and avionics. Astra sold the stolen information through dark channels on the black market. His clients were companies and government organizations from different countries interested in gaining access to advanced military technology.
The South Aviation estimated the damage from Astra's actions at $ 360 million. Astra did not engage in mass attacks, like many other hackers. He focused on high-value targets, such as weapons companies and aerospace corporations. His main goal was to steal data that could be sold for millions of dollars. He was able to hide his presence in systems, remaining undetected for several years.
In 2007, cybersecurity specialists at Dazot Aviation noticed unusual activity on their network. During the investigation, they discovered a data leak and brought in international intelligence agencies. After months of work, Astro was found in Georgia. In 2008, Georgian authorities carried out a special operation, which resulted in Astra’s arrest.
A search of his home found servers, hard drives, and notebooks containing details of his activities. Because of the nature of the stolen data, the trial was held in complete secrecy. Several governments insisted on restricting access to details of the case. Astra was convicted in Georgia, but his exact sentence remains unknown. It is believed that he received about 10 years in prison.
Story #9: Aaron Swartz is an American programmer, writer, activist, and fighter for free access to information.
His contributions to the development of the Internet are enormous. He helped create RSS technology, participated in the development of Creative Commons, and was one of the founders of Reddit. But the main work of his life was the fight for free access to scientific and government data. Aaron was born in 1986 in Chicago. Since childhood, he was fascinated by computers, science, and philosophy, which made him a real child prodigy. In 2000, at the age of 14, Swartz became a member of the team that developed RSS – Rich Site Summary, a format that allows users to receive updates from websites. He later co-authored the Creative Commons platform, which allowed authors to share their content under open access conditions. Swartz has always strived not only to create technology, but also to make knowledge accessible to everyone. In 2005, Swartz co-founded Reddit, one of the largest social platforms. His goal was to create a platform for the free exchange of ideas and opinions, where users could share content and participate in discussions. In 2006, Reddit was sold to Condé Nast, which brought Swartz financial stability.
However, he left the company because he was disappointed with its commercial approach. Fight for freedom of information. Aaron believed that scientific articles funded by public funds should be available to everyone, and not hidden behind paid subscriptions. He became an active participant in the open access movement. In 2008, Swartz used a script to download and publish 18 million pages from a US court records database. The documents were supposed to be free, but the government charged for them. Although his actions were not deemed illegal, the FBI launched an investigation, which was Swartz’s first serious red flag. The case GSTOR is a platform for accessing millions of academic papers and studies, which in most cases are only available through a paid subscription. In 2010, Swartz hacked into the MIT network and used scripts to download about 4.8 million academic papers from GSTOR. Aaron Swartz is an American computer programmer, writer, activist, and free information activist.
His goal was to open this data to everyone, especially students and researchers who could not afford to access paid resources. Although Jess Thor was not charged, the US Attorney’s Office brought serious charges against Swartz, including illegally accessing computer systems and stealing data. If convicted, Swartz faced up to 35 years in prison and a $1 million fine. “ It is the duty of those who have access to knowledge to share it with the world.” His fight inspired millions of people to promote open access to information. Today, many scientific journals and government data are available for free thanks to Swartz’s influence. Swartz has become a symbol of internet freedom and the fight for justice.
Story #10 - Marcus Hutchins - The Hacker Who Saved the World from WannaCry
Marcus Hutchins is a British cybersecurity expert and former hacker who became a global hero in 2017 by stopping the spread of one of the most destructive ransomware in history, Vanacray. However, his story is not so simple. A few months after his triumph, he was arrested for creating other malware. Hutchins never received formal training in cybersecurity. He was self-taught, having started his career by writing viruses as a teenager. He also became an active participant in hacker forums, where he published his developments and discussed hacking methods. Realizing the devastating consequences of his work, Marcus decided to use his knowledge to protect systems rather than attack. In early 2020, he joined a British cybersecurity company. Vanacray is a ransomware virus that exploited the Eternal Blue vulnerability in Microsoft Windows operating systems.
The virus encrypted data on computers and demanded a ransom in Bitcoin for its decryption. In May 2017, Vanacrai infected more than 200,000 computers in 150 countries in a matter of days. The total damage from the virus is estimated at $4 billion. While analyzing the virus, Hutchins discovered that Vanacrai was accessing a specific domain to check if it was active. He registered this domain, which immediately stopped the spread of the virus, as Vanacrai interpreted the active domain as a command to end the attack. Hutchins became a hero, his actions prevented it from spreading further to the edge and saved millions of computers from infection. The media called him the hacker who saved the world. Two months after his triumph in August 2017, Hutchins was arrested in the United States after attending a cybersecurity conference.
The Jess Thor case was a true test for Swartz. Not only did he face financial hardship, but he also faced the threat of losing his freedom because of his beliefs. In 2013, at the age of 26, Swartz committed suicide in his Brooklyn apartment. To quote from his letter, “Information is power, but like any power, there are those who want to keep it for themselves.
He was accused of creating and distributing the Kronos malware, which was used to steal bank data. Kronos is a Trojan designed to steal bank information. According to investigators, Hutchins developed it in 2014 and sold it on the Darknet. Hutchins faced six charges, including creating and distributing malicious software. If convicted on all counts, he faced up to 10 years in prison.
In 2019, Hutchins pleaded guilty to two counts. The court took into account his key role in stopping the viruses on the brink and his cooperation with the investigation. Hutchins received a suspended sentence and was released. The judge said that Marcus saved people from enormous damage and deserved a second chance. Hutchins has become a cult figure in the cybersecurity community thanks to his outspokenness and willingness to share his experiences. His blog and social media have attracted thousands of followers who have been inspired by his story.
Story #11 - Max Ray Vision - The Hacker Who Stole Millions of Credit Cards
Max Ray Butler, better known as Max Ray Vision, was an American hacker who created one of the largest criminal networks for stealing and selling credit card data. His genius skills in programming and social manipulation made him a leader in the shadow world of cybercrime. He stole over 1.8 million credit cards and caused damage estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars.
Before his criminal activities, Butler helped companies protect themselves from hackers as a cybersecurity specialist. Butler developed an advanced Trojan horse that he used to steal credit card data. His viruses were able to penetrate the systems of large companies, extracting information from their databases. Mac became a market leader in carding, the sale of stolen credit card data on shadow forums.
He used the stolen data to create counterfeit cards, which were then sold through a network of accomplices. In 2005, Butler founded Carders Market, the largest online forum for exchanging stolen credit card data. It was a platform where hackers from all over the world could sell and buy stolen data, as well as discuss new hacking techniques. Butler aimed to monopolize the carding market by acquiring or eliminating competing platforms. He provided his customers with a high level of security and trust, which made his platform popular with criminals.
At its peak, Carders Market had thousands of active users and processed millions of dollars in transactions. Max hacked into the systems of dozens of major retailers, including restaurants, banks, and supermarket chains. He used POS terminals, devices that accept cards, to steal data during the transaction.
The total damage from his actions is estimated at more than $86 million. Butler used the stolen cards to buy luxury items, including cars and luxury watches. Despite his skills, Butler made several mistakes that allowed the FBI to track his activities. One of them was using his own IP address to access the server, which helped identify his location. In 2007, FBI agents arrested Butler at his home in California.
During the search, agents found servers containing data from the stolen cards, as well as a fake ID and equipment for making cards. Butler was so confident in his safety that he kept much of the evidence right at his home. During the investigation, it turned out that he was one of the key organizers of the global market for stolen cards. In 2010, Butler was sentenced to 13 years in prison.
He was also ordered to pay 27.5 million in compensation to the victims. In interviews, Butler admitted that his greed and desire for power led to his downfall.
In this thread:
- Who inspired the hacker movies?
- How did hackers steal billions of dollars?
- What technologies were used for cyber attacks?
Content:
- Introduction.
- Story #1: Jonathan James is the youngest hacker to break into NASA systems.
- Story #2: Graham Ivan Clark is a teenage hacker who hacked Twitter and stole the accounts of Barack Obama, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Elon Musk.
- Story #3: Kane Gamble - the teenager who hacked the CIA and the Pentagon.
- Story #4: Adrian Lamo - Hacking the Systems of the Largest Corporations.
- Story #5: Albert Gonzalez - The Mastermind of the Largest Credit Rating Theft in History
- Story #6: Vladimir Levin is a Russian hacker who stole millions from banks.
- Story #7: Evgeny Bogachev is a Russian hacker who has been named the world's most wanted cybercriminal by the United States.
- Story #8: Astra - a mysterious Georgian hacker who sold secrets of weapons technology.
- Story #9: Aaron Swartz is an American programmer, writer, activist, and advocate for free access to information.
- Story #10: Marcus Hutchins - the hacker who saved the world from WannaCry.
- Story #11: Max Ray Vision - the hacker who stole millions of credit cards.
Introduction.
Imagine someone using an ordinary computer to break into the most secure systems in the world, from the Pentagon's servers to your bank accounts. Today, we'll dive into the most shocking stories of hackers who didn't just break systems, they changed reality. Each of these stories is about more than just hacking. It's about genius, ambition, and that fine line between hero and villain.
Story #1: Jonathan James - The Youngest Hacker to Break Into NASA Systems
Jonathan James, known by his nickname Comrade, became a legend in the hacker world as the youngest hacker to break into the US government and NASA systems.
His genius was evident in his teens, and his hacks became an example of how talent can be combined with audacity. Born in 1983, he was fascinated with computers from an early age. By the age of 13, he had already mastered the basics of programming and began studying the vulnerabilities of computer systems.
In 1999, at the age of 16, James broke into NASA’s network and stole $1.7 million worth of software. The software was used to control the life support of the International Space Station. How did he do it? He hacked into the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s network. Through the agency, he gained access to NASA employee logins and passwords.
Jonathan stole 13 megabytes of source code, which contained important algorithms for controlling space hardware. NASA had to shut down its systems for three weeks to fix the vulnerabilities and prevent further leaks. NASA agents were shocked that the hack was carried out by a teenager operating from his bedroom. James claimed that the stolen code was useless without specialized equipment, so he never planned to use it.
After NASA discovered the leak, the FBI launched an investigation. Using traces left by James on the network, agents tracked him down and arrested him in 2000. Jonathan became the first juvenile convicted of cybercrime in the United States. The court sentenced him to six months of house arrest and banned him from using computers for the duration of his sentence.
James never tried to profit from his hacks, which contributed to a lighter sentence. In 2007, already free, Jonathan came under suspicion of a series of hacks of large retailers, but his involvement was never proven. These accusations put a lot of pressure on him. In 2008, at the age of 24, James committed suicide, leaving a note in which he denied his involvement in the latest attacks and claimed that he could no longer live under constant pressure.
"I do not believe in justice. Perhaps my death will serve as a lesson to society." After Jonathan's death, his nickname Comrade became one of the symbols of the hacker movement.
Story #2: Graham Ivan Clark - The Teenage Hacker Who Hacked Twitter and Stole the Accounts of Barack Obama, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Elon Musk
Graham Ivan Clark, a teenager from Tampa, Florida, who organized one of the most daring cyber attacks in 2020. He managed to hack Twitter and take control of the accounts of a world celebrity.
At the time of the hack, Graham was only 17 years old. Graham used his social engineering skills to gain access to Twitter's internal tools. He started by attacking Twitter employees, posing as a representative of the company's IT department. He called several employees and convinced them to provide login details. He knew how to talk in such a way that people believed that he worked inside the company, this was his main weapon.
The panel he hacked allowed him to edit account settings, change their email and passwords, and post messages on behalf of the owners. Graham took over the accounts of Elon Musk, Barack Obama, Jeff Bezos, and Bill Gates. After taking over the accounts, Graham would post a message encouraging people to send Bitcoin to a specified address with the promise of doubling their amount. “I decided to give back to society. Send Bitcoin to this address and I will double your amount. The promotion lasts 30 minutes.”
In just a few hours, Graham received over 400 transactions and collected about $117,000 in Bitcoin. Despite the small financial result, the attack attracted a lot of attention because of the celebrity whose accounts were hacked. In response to the hack, Twitter disabled tweeting for all verified accounts to prevent further attacks. Cybercrime experts tracked the Bitcoin transactions used in the scheme.
Despite the anonymity of the cryptocurrency, law enforcement was able to link the wallet to real identities. During the investigation, it was discovered that Graham had two accomplices. In August 2020, Graham was arrested at his home in Florida. During his arrest, computers, phones, and Bitcoin wallets were seized, proving his involvement. Graham was charged with 30 felonies, including fraud and unlawful access to computers.
In 2021, he made a deal with prosecutors, pleading guilty. Graham was sentenced to three years in a juvenile facility. He was also prohibited from using computers without permission from the court.
Story #3: Kane Gamble - the teenager who hacked the CIA and the Pentagon
Kane Gamble is a British teenager who became famous for his daring hacks. At the age of 15, he infiltrated the personal accounts of the CIA director, FBI leaders, the US Secretary of Homeland Security, and Pentagon employees.
He posed as a security officer to convince operators to hand over data. Using confidence in his knowledge of terms, he was able to fool even the most experienced specialists. He also sent fake emails asking for password resets. He used stolen data to pose as an insider.
Kane hacked into the personal email account of CIA Director John Brennan. He gained access to his email correspondence, including internal documents and personal data such as phone numbers, addresses, and contacts. Kane called John Brannon’s wife and pretended to be a bank employee to gain access to their financial data. He left angry messages on the answering machine of the Secretary of Homeland Security. “You are a threat to democracy and privacy.
People need to know what you are hiding.” He leaked confidential CIA and Pentagon documents online. Among the leaks were data on US operations in the Middle East, personal contacts of intelligence officers, and information about surveillance programs. Kane used the data he obtained to hack several government websites, where he posted provocative messages, including slogans against the American government. In an interview after his arrest, he admitted that he acted within the framework of his teenage idea of justice.
In 2016, Kane was arrested by British police right at his home. In 2018, he was found guilty. The court sentenced him to two years in a juvenile detention center. Kane later admitted that his actions got out of control, but he did not regret trying to show the world the truth.
Story # 4: Adrian Lamo - hacking the systems of the largest corporations.
Adrian Lamo, known as the Rogue Hacker, became famous for his hacks into the systems of major corporations such as Microsoft, Yaha, and the New York Times.
Lamo got the nickname Rogue Hacker because he preferred to lead a nomadic lifestyle. He began his hacking activities by penetrating the networks of local companies. In 2001, Adrian broke into the networks of Yahoo and Microsoft to demonstrate the vulnerabilities of their systems. He did no damage, but gained access to confidential data.
In 2002, Lamo hacked into the internal network of the New York Times and gained access to their database, including information about VIPs. After the hack, he added his name to the list of experts of the publication, posing as a consultant. The US authorities perceived his actions as a serious crime. Lamo never tried to monetize his hacks. He claimed that he did it to improve the security of companies.
In 2002, the FBI launched an investigation. Adrian agreed to surrender to the authorities after hiding for several months. In 2004, he was sentenced to six months of house arrest and a fine of $65,000. The court took into account that Lamo did not cause harm and actively cooperated with the investigation. Chelsea Manning is a US Army soldier who leaked thousands of classified documents to WikiLeaks, exposing US actions in military operations.
In 2010, Manning contacted Lama via encrypted chat, sharing information about the data leaked to WikiLeaks. She told Lama about her role in the leak and revealed classified details, including evidence of war crimes. Lamo reported the contents of the chats to the FBI, citing her responsibility to the country. Based on this data, Chelsea Manning was arrested and sentenced to 35 years in prison.
The hacker community accused Lamo of treason, calling him an informant. He justified himself by saying that he could not ignore such a large-scale leak, considering it a threat to national security. Lamo later admitted that his decision to report Manning was the most difficult in his life. After the revelation of Manning, Lamo tried to work as a cybersecurity consultant, but his reputation was destroyed.
Many hackers avoided contact with him, fearing that he could cooperate with the authorities again. After the events with Manning, Lamo suffered from depression and constant anxiety. In interviews, he said that he lived in isolation due to threats and pressure. Adrian Lamo passed away in 2018, at the age of 37. The cause of death is unknown, but health complications were assumed.
Story #5: Albert Gonzalez - Organizer of the Largest Theft of Credit Data in History
Albert Gonzalez is one of the most famous hackers of our time, who has become a symbol of cybercrime in the financial sector.
He led a network of hackers that stole over 170 million credit and debit card details, making his attacks the largest in history. Gonzalez began his hacking career not with major hacks, but with small-time online fraud. However, his ability to manipulate people and systems quickly took him to the next level. As a teenager, he began to show an interest in computers and soon discovered the world of hacking.
In school, Gonzalez began by studying the weaknesses of local area networks. At 17, he hacked his school’s system to change his grades. In 2003, he was arrested for the first time for buying stolen credit card details on underground forums. However, instead of facing serious punishment, Albert began working with the US Secret Service, helping to identify other cybercriminals.
Gonzalez became a double agent, simultaneously working for the government and continuing his illegal operations. Gonzalez united talented hackers into an international group that specialized in hacking the payment systems of large companies. Their main target was credit card data. They used SQL injections to penetrate databases, installed spyware on company servers to intercept card data in real time, hacked post-terminals to steal information right at the moment of transaction.
In 2005, Gonzalez infiltrated the network of TGX, one of the largest retailers in the world. He stole data from more than 45 million cards through post-terminals. This was the first major data theft of such a scale. The company suffered damages of 256 million dollars.
In 2007, Gonzalez and his team infiltrated the system of Hersland, one of the largest payment processors in the United States. They stole data from 130 million cards, which was the largest data leak in history at that time. They used malware to record card data while it was being processed by the system. This data was then sold on underground forums for bitcoins. In 2008, agents discovered his connection to an international hacker network when one of the group members leaked information. His target was Citibank, one of the largest banks in the world. Levin successfully stole millions of dollars using methods that were ahead of their time. Levin was born in St. Petersburg and graduated from the Leningrad Technological Institute, specializing in biochemistry. After graduating, he worked in various fields until he became interested in computers and programming.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Gonzalez was the mastermind behind the largest attacks. Gonzalez was arrested in 2008 in Miami. During a search of his apartment, agents found $1.6 million in cash hidden in popcorn boxes and three laptops with evidence of his involvement in the attacks. Albert was charged with 19 counts, including data theft, fraud, and organizing a criminal group.
The damage from his actions was estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars. In 2010, Gonzalez was sentenced to 20 years in prison, which became one of the harshest punishments for cybercrime in US history. The court called his actions a threat to national security.
Story #6: Vladimir Levin - Russian hacker who stole millions from banks.
Vladimir Levin is a Russian hacker who became famous in the mid-nineties thanks to one of the first major cyberattacks on the international banking system.
In the 1990s, Levin began studying the vulnerabilities of banking systems. He worked with a group of like-minded people, studying how to penetrate the system of international banks. At that time, the Internet was in its infancy, and banking systems did not yet have the modern level of protection. Levin studied the protocols of the SWIFT system and found vulnerabilities in the way transactions were authorized.
He was able to intercept the data used for authorization and fake transfers. Levin operated from his office in St. Petersburg, using a simple laptop and a telephone connection to connect to the Citibank system. He gained access to the accounts of the bank's clients using intercepted logins and passwords. Using fake transfers, Levin redirected funds to bank accounts in various countries.
The total amount of funds stolen was $ 10.7 million. Levin did not leave Russia during the attacks, making him one of the first hackers to use the Internet to commit international crimes. During a routine check, bank employees noticed suspicious transfers to foreign accounts. In 1994, Citibank contacted the FBI and launched an internal investigation. The bank hired cybersecurity experts and worked with international law enforcement agencies to track the money and find the hacker.
American agents began coordinating efforts with Interpol to capture Levin. In 1995, Levin traveled to London on personal business. British police arrested him at Heathrow Airport at the request of American authorities. Levin was extradited to the United States, where he was charged with cyber fraud and theft. In 1998, a court found Levin guilty.
He was sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of $240,000. Although most of the money was recovered, about $400,000 was never found. It is believed that Levin took on more responsibility than he actually had to in order to protect other members of his group. Levin's attack was the first major alarm bell for the banking industry. Vladimir Levin is still considered one of the most brilliant hackers who managed to hack a bank without leaving his office.
Story #7: Evgeny Bogachev is a Russian hacker who was named the most wanted cybercriminal in the world by the US.
Evgeny Bogachev, known by his nickname Slavik, is a Russian hacker who was named the most wanted cybercriminal in the world by the US. His main work is the development of the sophisticated malware Game Over Zeus, with the help of which he and his team stole hundreds of millions of dollars from individuals, companies and banks around the world.
Bogachev was such a successful hacker that the FBI offered a $3 million reward for information leading to his capture. This is a record for a cybercriminal. Evgeny Bogachev was born in Russia, presumably in Rostov-on-Don in the 1980s. In the early 2000s, he began studying ways to hack systems to make money. His move into the criminal world was prompted by the growing demand for stolen data, especially in the banking sector.
Bogachev developed the first version of the virus in the early 2000s, but it was not until 2007 that its activities became a global threat. Game Over Zeus is a sophisticated banking Trojan designed to steal user credentials, logins, and passwords. It used infected computers to create a global botnet capable of carrying out cyberattacks, data theft, and money laundering.
How did the virus work? The virus was distributed through phishing emails or infected websites. Once the victim opened the malicious file, the virus penetrated the system. Game Over Zeus captured user data when they entered logins and passwords on banking sites. The hackers then transferred the money to their accounts or bought cryptocurrency. Game Over Zeus created a network of hundreds of thousands of infected computers around the world.
These computers were used for large-scale attacks, including DDoS and sending spam. The FBI estimates that the Game Over Zeus virus allowed Bogachev and his team to steal more than $100 million from individuals and companies around the world. Bogachev also used Game Over Zeus to attack US government networks. In 2013, Bogachev released another virus, CryptoLocker, which became the basis for modern ransomware attacks.
The virus encrypted files on the victim’s computer and demanded a ransom in bitcoins for their recovery. CryptoLocker earned its creators more than $30 million in just a few months. In 2014, an international coalition of law enforcement agencies launched an operation to destroy the Game Over Zeus network. Experts were able to disable the botnet infrastructure, which temporarily paralyzed Bogachev’s operations.
Despite the destruction of the botnet, Bogachev himself remained at large. According to the FBI, he is hiding in Russia and is under the protection of Russian intelligence services. Bogachev is credited with ties to the Russian government, who allegedly used him for cyber espionage. Game Over Zeus became one of the most effective viruses in history, which affected more than 1 million devices worldwide.
Bogachev was not only a virus creator, but also an organizer of a shadow market for stolen data. His botnet was used by other hackers to carry out attacks. Bogachev is the only hacker to be included in the FBI's Most Wanted list.
Story #8: Astra - the mysterious Georgian hacker who sold secrets of weapons technology.
Astra is the pseudonym of a mysterious hacker from Georgia who infiltrated the networks of the world's largest weapons companies for almost a decade. His real name has never been revealed, making him one of the most mysterious figures in the history of cybercrime.
According to investigators, Astra was a professional mathematician. It is believed that he used his mathematical knowledge to create complex hacking tools and code analysis. Due to the sensitivity of the case and the leaks related to military technology, the authorities decided to keep his real name secret. This minimized the risk of secrets being used by other criminals or government agents.
The hacker used advanced hacking techniques, including exploits and malware, to gain access to the company's internal systems. He stole information about the development of the latest fighter jet models, including parts of weapons systems and avionics. Astra sold the stolen information through dark channels on the black market. His clients were companies and government organizations from different countries interested in gaining access to advanced military technology.
The South Aviation estimated the damage from Astra's actions at $ 360 million. Astra did not engage in mass attacks, like many other hackers. He focused on high-value targets, such as weapons companies and aerospace corporations. His main goal was to steal data that could be sold for millions of dollars. He was able to hide his presence in systems, remaining undetected for several years.
In 2007, cybersecurity specialists at Dazot Aviation noticed unusual activity on their network. During the investigation, they discovered a data leak and brought in international intelligence agencies. After months of work, Astro was found in Georgia. In 2008, Georgian authorities carried out a special operation, which resulted in Astra’s arrest.
A search of his home found servers, hard drives, and notebooks containing details of his activities. Because of the nature of the stolen data, the trial was held in complete secrecy. Several governments insisted on restricting access to details of the case. Astra was convicted in Georgia, but his exact sentence remains unknown. It is believed that he received about 10 years in prison.
Story #9: Aaron Swartz is an American programmer, writer, activist, and fighter for free access to information.
His contributions to the development of the Internet are enormous. He helped create RSS technology, participated in the development of Creative Commons, and was one of the founders of Reddit. But the main work of his life was the fight for free access to scientific and government data. Aaron was born in 1986 in Chicago. Since childhood, he was fascinated by computers, science, and philosophy, which made him a real child prodigy. In 2000, at the age of 14, Swartz became a member of the team that developed RSS – Rich Site Summary, a format that allows users to receive updates from websites. He later co-authored the Creative Commons platform, which allowed authors to share their content under open access conditions. Swartz has always strived not only to create technology, but also to make knowledge accessible to everyone. In 2005, Swartz co-founded Reddit, one of the largest social platforms. His goal was to create a platform for the free exchange of ideas and opinions, where users could share content and participate in discussions. In 2006, Reddit was sold to Condé Nast, which brought Swartz financial stability.
However, he left the company because he was disappointed with its commercial approach. Fight for freedom of information. Aaron believed that scientific articles funded by public funds should be available to everyone, and not hidden behind paid subscriptions. He became an active participant in the open access movement. In 2008, Swartz used a script to download and publish 18 million pages from a US court records database. The documents were supposed to be free, but the government charged for them. Although his actions were not deemed illegal, the FBI launched an investigation, which was Swartz’s first serious red flag. The case GSTOR is a platform for accessing millions of academic papers and studies, which in most cases are only available through a paid subscription. In 2010, Swartz hacked into the MIT network and used scripts to download about 4.8 million academic papers from GSTOR. Aaron Swartz is an American computer programmer, writer, activist, and free information activist.
His goal was to open this data to everyone, especially students and researchers who could not afford to access paid resources. Although Jess Thor was not charged, the US Attorney’s Office brought serious charges against Swartz, including illegally accessing computer systems and stealing data. If convicted, Swartz faced up to 35 years in prison and a $1 million fine. “ It is the duty of those who have access to knowledge to share it with the world.” His fight inspired millions of people to promote open access to information. Today, many scientific journals and government data are available for free thanks to Swartz’s influence. Swartz has become a symbol of internet freedom and the fight for justice.
Story #10 - Marcus Hutchins - The Hacker Who Saved the World from WannaCry
Marcus Hutchins is a British cybersecurity expert and former hacker who became a global hero in 2017 by stopping the spread of one of the most destructive ransomware in history, Vanacray. However, his story is not so simple. A few months after his triumph, he was arrested for creating other malware. Hutchins never received formal training in cybersecurity. He was self-taught, having started his career by writing viruses as a teenager. He also became an active participant in hacker forums, where he published his developments and discussed hacking methods. Realizing the devastating consequences of his work, Marcus decided to use his knowledge to protect systems rather than attack. In early 2020, he joined a British cybersecurity company. Vanacray is a ransomware virus that exploited the Eternal Blue vulnerability in Microsoft Windows operating systems.
The virus encrypted data on computers and demanded a ransom in Bitcoin for its decryption. In May 2017, Vanacrai infected more than 200,000 computers in 150 countries in a matter of days. The total damage from the virus is estimated at $4 billion. While analyzing the virus, Hutchins discovered that Vanacrai was accessing a specific domain to check if it was active. He registered this domain, which immediately stopped the spread of the virus, as Vanacrai interpreted the active domain as a command to end the attack. Hutchins became a hero, his actions prevented it from spreading further to the edge and saved millions of computers from infection. The media called him the hacker who saved the world. Two months after his triumph in August 2017, Hutchins was arrested in the United States after attending a cybersecurity conference.
The Jess Thor case was a true test for Swartz. Not only did he face financial hardship, but he also faced the threat of losing his freedom because of his beliefs. In 2013, at the age of 26, Swartz committed suicide in his Brooklyn apartment. To quote from his letter, “Information is power, but like any power, there are those who want to keep it for themselves.
He was accused of creating and distributing the Kronos malware, which was used to steal bank data. Kronos is a Trojan designed to steal bank information. According to investigators, Hutchins developed it in 2014 and sold it on the Darknet. Hutchins faced six charges, including creating and distributing malicious software. If convicted on all counts, he faced up to 10 years in prison.
In 2019, Hutchins pleaded guilty to two counts. The court took into account his key role in stopping the viruses on the brink and his cooperation with the investigation. Hutchins received a suspended sentence and was released. The judge said that Marcus saved people from enormous damage and deserved a second chance. Hutchins has become a cult figure in the cybersecurity community thanks to his outspokenness and willingness to share his experiences. His blog and social media have attracted thousands of followers who have been inspired by his story.
Story #11 - Max Ray Vision - The Hacker Who Stole Millions of Credit Cards
Max Ray Butler, better known as Max Ray Vision, was an American hacker who created one of the largest criminal networks for stealing and selling credit card data. His genius skills in programming and social manipulation made him a leader in the shadow world of cybercrime. He stole over 1.8 million credit cards and caused damage estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars.
Before his criminal activities, Butler helped companies protect themselves from hackers as a cybersecurity specialist. Butler developed an advanced Trojan horse that he used to steal credit card data. His viruses were able to penetrate the systems of large companies, extracting information from their databases. Mac became a market leader in carding, the sale of stolen credit card data on shadow forums.
He used the stolen data to create counterfeit cards, which were then sold through a network of accomplices. In 2005, Butler founded Carders Market, the largest online forum for exchanging stolen credit card data. It was a platform where hackers from all over the world could sell and buy stolen data, as well as discuss new hacking techniques. Butler aimed to monopolize the carding market by acquiring or eliminating competing platforms. He provided his customers with a high level of security and trust, which made his platform popular with criminals.
At its peak, Carders Market had thousands of active users and processed millions of dollars in transactions. Max hacked into the systems of dozens of major retailers, including restaurants, banks, and supermarket chains. He used POS terminals, devices that accept cards, to steal data during the transaction.
The total damage from his actions is estimated at more than $86 million. Butler used the stolen cards to buy luxury items, including cars and luxury watches. Despite his skills, Butler made several mistakes that allowed the FBI to track his activities. One of them was using his own IP address to access the server, which helped identify his location. In 2007, FBI agents arrested Butler at his home in California.
During the search, agents found servers containing data from the stolen cards, as well as a fake ID and equipment for making cards. Butler was so confident in his safety that he kept much of the evidence right at his home. During the investigation, it turned out that he was one of the key organizers of the global market for stolen cards. In 2010, Butler was sentenced to 13 years in prison.
He was also ordered to pay 27.5 million in compensation to the victims. In interviews, Butler admitted that his greed and desire for power led to his downfall.
