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Man confesses to data breach affecting hundreds of German politicians, police say

Officials in Germany say a man has confessed to mass data breach affecting German politicians, jo...
Newstalk
Newstalk

15.17 8 Jan 2019


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Man confesses to data breach a...

Man confesses to data breach affecting hundreds of German politicians, police say

Newstalk
Newstalk

15.17 8 Jan 2019


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Officials in Germany say a man has confessed to mass data breach affecting German politicians, journalists and celebrities.

It was revealed last week that hundreds of public figures had personal details hacked and posted online.

Authorities today said a 20-year-old man was arrested in Middle Hesse and has 'comprehensively admitted' the allegations against him.

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According to officials, the suspect went by the online aliases of "G0d" and "0rbit".

Following questioning, he was released yesterday evening due to "lack of grounds for detention".

Federal police said: "During the interrogation, the defendant stated that he had acted alone in the data spying and unauthorised data releases. The investigations have so far revealed no evidence of third party participation.

"The defendant stated that he acted out of annoyance over public statements made by the politicians, journalists and public figures involved."

A number of computers have been seized as part of the investigation.

Chancellor Angela Merkel was among those affected by the hacking, with both Bundestag and state officials from across the political spectrum impacted.

A number of prominent musicians, activists and Youtubers also had some of their details published online.

According to local media, details leaked on social media included mobile phone numbers and contact details.

However, some other personal data - including credit card information and photo ID cards - is also believed to have been published in individual cases.


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