The BBC reports that Kurtaj, diagnosed with autism, played a pivotal role in the notorious cybercrime group Lapsus$, known for targeting tech giants such as Uber and Nvidia, resulting in significant financial losses.
Considered a public threat due to his remarkable skills and malicious intent, Kurtaj will remain under hospital confinement until medical professionals deem him no longer a risk. The court revealed disturbing incidents of violence during Kurtaj’s custody, prompting concerns about his safety and the safety of others. Given his acute autism, doctors declared him unfit to stand trial, shifting the focus to determining the alleged acts rather than criminal intent.
Cyber attack execution
Despite having his laptop confiscated, Kurtaj ingeniously executed his cyber attack using unconventional tools such as an Amazon Firestick, a hotel television, and a mobile phone. The breach targeted the company’s internal Slack messaging system, with Kurtaj issuing a chilling ultimatum, stating, “If Rockstar does not contact me on Telegram within 24 hours, I will start releasing the source code.”
In a related development, a 17-year-old member of Lapsus$, shielded by legal anonymity, faced charges including two counts of fraud, two offenses under the Computer Misuse Act, and one count of blackmail. The Guardian reports that this accomplice was sentenced to a youth rehabilitation order at Guildford crown court in Surrey on Thursday.
This legal intervention comes in the wake of the recent release of the GTA 6 trailer, which garnered an astounding 128 million views on YouTube within just four days. The repercussions of Kurtaj’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the evolving challenges posed by cybercriminals, urging authorities to address the growing threat landscape with vigilance and adaptability.
FAQs
Q: Who is Arion Kurtaj?
A: Arion Kurtaj, an 18-year-old British hacker, diagnosed with autism, gained notoriety for hacking and stealing Grand Theft Auto 6 content.
Q: Why was Arion Kurtaj given a hospital order?
A: Due to his acute autism, doctors deemed him unfit for trial, opting for a hospital order for public safety.
Q: How did Kurtaj carry out the cyber attack after his laptop was seized?
A: Kurtaj used unconventional tools like an Amazon Firestick, hotel TV, and a mobile phone to breach the company’s systems.
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