Breaking News: Sibling Contractors Accused of Deleting Government Databases Minutes After Firing
Two 34-year-old brothers, Muneeb Akhter and Sohaib Akhter, have been charged by the Department of Justice for allegedly deleting databases and documents maintained by three government agencies just minutes after being fired from their contractor jobs. The brothers, who were working for a software and services company in Washington, DC, that provides services to 45 US agencies, were convicted of hacking into US State Department systems a decade ago.
According to an indictment unsealed on Thursday, the brothers began trying to access their employer's system and federal government databases at approximately 5:00 pm on February 18, just five minutes after being fired. Prosecutors claim that the men coordinated the crimes, using an AI tool to cover their tracks.
The indictment reveals a timeline of events that unfolded in a matter of minutes. At 4:55 pm, the brothers were fired from their jobs. At 5:00 pm, they allegedly began trying to access their employer's system and federal government databases. The brothers' actions resulted in the deletion of databases and documents maintained by three government agencies.
The Department of Justice has taken immediate action, charging the brothers with federal crimes. The indictment highlights the potential consequences of using AI tools to cover up alleged crimes, raising questions about the implications for society.
The brothers' background is marked by a previous conviction for hacking into US State Department systems a decade ago. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity measures and the need for robust systems to prevent unauthorized access.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what consequences the brothers will face. The use of AI tools in alleged crimes has sparked concerns about the potential for future misuse. This incident serves as a warning about the importance of responsible AI development and deployment.
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