Authorities in Greece have arrested an 18-year old man today, suspected of hacking into computer systems belonging to Interpol, the Pentagon, the NSA and the FBI.
The teenager, who has not been identified, is said to live with his mother in the Athens district of Agios Dimitrios, and is alleged to have originally broken into the Interpol crime-fighting website when he was just 15 years old.
Manolis Sfakianakis, head of the Greek computer crime police, told state television that the young man used the internet name "nsplitter", and conducted his attacks against websites around the world from the comfort of his home.
"Nsplitter" is also said to have stolen credit card and banking details from victims' computers by tricking them into downloading malicious toolbars. The natural deduction would be that this information was later used fraudulently. According to reports, the alleged hacker is said to have invested in nearly fifty companies on the Athens stock exchange.
Police searched the man's home, confiscating money and computer equipment. In addition, authorities claim to have found a makeshift explosive device, flares and shotgun cartridges.
US and French authorities worked alongside Greek police on the investigation, which has been pursued since the hacks in February 2008 and February 2009.
If found guilty, the man could face up to five years in prison for the hacks.
This shouldn't need to be said, but let me say it anyway. Don't hack into computers which don't belong for you. Not for fun. Not for money. It's against the law, and if you're caught the penalties you end up paying could be very serious.
You can drive the hackers into dark corners and make them hide, but you will never get them all. The truly good ones are never caught for a reason.
You guys need to hire him when he gets out. LOL
So sad that smart young people with so much potential uses their talents this way.
It's Greece, so its not like there's anything else to do, besides protest the government and lie in the sun.
I hope you making a joke,and not be serious about this.
no joke, it's the truth :)
and yeah, I've been in greece many times.
Having such a good time is too much for you??? Join us (not as a tourist, stay there for some time -IF you find a job) and see for your self! Then we talk...
As my momma used to say - just because you can doesn't mean you should <G>.
If Interpol, the Pentagon, the NSA and the FBI can't secure their systems from hackers, what chance do the rest of us stand?!
so 3 years to catch him?
"This shouldn't need to be said, but let me say it anyway. Don't hack into computers which don't belong for you. Not for fun. Not for money. It's against the law, and if you're caught the penalties you end up paying could be very serious"
Also if you have "somewhat important" data, maybe you should secure it better.
I understand my mom gets a virus or hacked, but this? really? Would you leave the door open in your house if you know you could get robbed? ....... I guess that is why you have keys
Its easy to talk about Greece or places that u dont know.....
next time better tink firts about major criminals that live in the US...
As for hacking.... well its a dirty job but somebody has to do it....!
According to Greek mass media hacking is not illegal in Greece - hence the only charges against this individual would stem from any economic or so called terrorist activities. The initial charges against him where in fact about possible homemade bombs found in his home and bank cards which he know claims he found on the street.
If a 15 years old guy hacks the Interpol website! they should thank him for showing the hole.