CGISecurity Logo

NY teen hacks AOL, infects systems

"A New York teenager broke into AOL networks and databases containing customer
information and infected servers with a malicious program to transfer
confidential data to his computer, AOL and the Manhattan District Attorney’s
Office allege.

In a complaint filed in Criminal Court of the City of New
York, the DA’s office alleges that between December 24, 2006 and April 7, 2007,
17-year old Mike Nieves committed offenses like computer tampering, computer
trespass, and criminal possession of computer material.

Among his
alleged exploits:

* Accessing systems containing customer billing
records, addresses, and credit card information

* Infecting machines at
an AOL customer support call center in New Delhi, India, with a program to
funnel information back to his PC

* Logging in without permission into
49 AIM instant message accounts of AOL customer support employees

*
Attempting to break into an AOL customer support system containing sensitive
customer information

* Engaging in a phishing attack against AOL
staffers through which he gained access to more than 60 accounts from AOL
employees and subcontractors

Nieves faces four felony charges and one
misdemeanor charge. He was arraigned on Monday and remains detained, a DA’s
office spokesman said. His next court date is Friday for a procedural hearing to
determine the next step in the case, the spokesman said. Nieves’ attorney didn’t
immediately return a call seeking comment. "

Article Link: http://www.infoworld.com/article/07/04/26/HNteenhackaol_1.html