A 29-year-old hacker from Oregon who stole nude images of hundreds of Hollywood stars has pleaded guilty to charges
Hacker pleads guilty to felony hackingfor stealing nude photos of celebrities. Andrew Helton, 29, of Portland, pleaded guilty Thursday to wire fraud and abuse of power. He could face up to five years in prison when he is sentenced in June.
According to the police statement, the hacker targeted Hollywood stars using social engineering. He would send them emails purporting to be from Google and Apple and use the credentials he obtained through illegal means to access their personal emails/iCloud/Google Albums. According to the US Department of Justice, he was able to trick hundreds of Hollywood stars into giving him usernames and passwords.
The scam, which ran from March 2011 to May 2013, gave Helton access to “161 sexual, nude and/or semi-nude images of approximately 13 victims, some of whom were celebrities,” said U.S. Department of Justice spokesman Thom Mrozek. “We have no evidence that the photos were posted online or that he was selling them,” Mrozek added.
Apple reported the case to the FBI, as it did with Celebgate, as soon as it was discovered. “The thought of a stranger accessing private communications for financial gain can be devastating,” said David Bowdich, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles office. “This insidious crime has a devastating effect on the individuals who experience it.” The FBI is committed to holding accountable those who illegally into personal accounts, as well as educating consumers about strengthening passwords and using two-factor authentication, among other safeguards.
