Philip Houska To the person responsible leakage of sensitive data from September 2014, there is a risk of up to five years behind bars. The case of "Celebgate" (or also "The Fappening") became a very discussed topic at the time, not only because of the half-naked or nude photos of world celebrities, but also because of this, the security of iCloud was discussed, although in the end it turned out that its protection it was not broken.
Ryan Collins, 36, of Pennsylvania, who pleaded guilty to the crime, now faces possible prison time for violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). Collins-like methods of violating privacy or internet manipulation have not caused any problems in the past either. Nearly two years to obtain sensitive data, according to federal prosecutors in the form of e-mail addresses and passwords from pre-selected persons (including Hollywood stars) pretended to be an Apple or Google employee.
During his spree, Collins was able to hack up to 50 iCloud accounts, including celebrities such as Jennifer Lawrence, Kaley Cuoco or Kate Upton, and gained access to 72 Gmail accounts.
"By illegally obtaining intimate details from the victims' personal lives, Mr. Collins invaded their privacy and exposed them to emotional distress, public embarrassment and feelings of insecurity," David Bowdich, deputy director of the FBI's Los Angeles division, said in a statement. Due to these offences, the person in question is charged with two crimes – unauthorized access to a protected computer and general computer hacking. Such accusations can land him in prison for up to five years, but according to the agreement reached between the prosecutor and the accused, this crime will most likely cost him only one year and six months.
It should be added that Collins has not been charged with posting these sensitive materials on Internet forums Reddit a 4chan, thanks to which the general public learned about them. The investigation into who is behind the act continues, and the latest investigation points to two men from Chicago. However, they have not been charged yet.
Source: The Verge
