A Brazilian man, Junior Barros De Oliveira, has been charged in the U.S. for attempting to extort a company after hacking its network in March 2020. He accessed confidential data belonging to around 300,000 customers and demanded a ransom of 300 bitcoin, valued at about $3.2 million at the time, to refrain from selling the stolen information. De Oliveira later sent follow-up messages, offering to help the company fix the security issue for a fee of 75 bitcoin, approximately $800,000. Each charge could result in severe penalties, including years in prison and substantial fines. This case highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and ransomware attacks worldwide.
A Brazilian man has been charged with serious crimes linked to cyber extortion in the United States. Junior Barros De Oliveira, age 29, from Curitiba, Brazil, is accused of hacking a company’s network and stealing sensitive information from approximately 300,000 customers back in March 2020. He has been charged with four counts of extortion and four counts of making threatening communications, as stated by the U.S. Department of Justice in an indictment released this week.
According to the indictment, after breaching the company’s network, De Oliveira allegedly contacted the CEO in September 2020. He demanded a payment of 300 bitcoin, which was worth around $3.2 million at that time, threatening to sell the stolen data if his demands were not met. Just a month later, he continued to communicate with the company, offering to “help” fix the security breach for 75 bitcoin, equivalent to about $800,000.
If convicted, De Oliveira could face a maximum of 5 years in prison for each extortion charge and up to 2 years for each threatening communication charge. This case underlines the growing threat of cybercrime, particularly ransomware attacks, which have seen an increase in recent years.
As businesses continue to rely on technology, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical to protect sensitive information from cybercriminals.
What happened with the Brazilian hacker?
A Brazilian hacker has been charged with extorting over $3.2 million in Bitcoin. He gained access to around 300,000 accounts and threatened to release private information unless paid.
How did the hacker get the information?
The hacker is accused of breaching the security of multiple accounts. It’s believed he used techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in online systems to gather personal data.
What charges does the hacker face?
The hacker faces several charges, including extortion, identity theft, and unauthorized access to computer systems. These charges can lead to severe penalties, including a long prison sentence.
What should people do if their accounts were compromised?
If someone suspects their accounts may have been hacked, they should change their passwords immediately. It’s also wise to enable two-factor authentication for extra security and monitor accounts for any unusual activity.
How can people protect themselves from hackers?
To protect against hackers, use strong, unique passwords and update them regularly. Avoid clicking on suspicious links and be cautious when sharing personal information online. Keeping software and devices updated also helps safeguard against attacks.
