November 20, 2023 at 02:17PM
A former COO of a cybersecurity company pleaded guilty to hacking two hospitals to benefit his business. He disrupted phone and printer services and stole personal information from over 200 patients. He promoted the hack on Twitter and solicited clients afterward. Prosecutors recommend 57 months of probation due to the defendant’s health conditions. Sentencing is scheduled for February 15, 2024.
Key Takeaways from Meeting Notes:
– The former chief operating officer of Securolytics, a cybersecurity company, pleaded guilty to hacking two hospitals belonging to the Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) in June 2021.
– The defendant, Vikas Singla, disrupted phone and network printer services at GMC Northside Hospital hospitals in Duluth and Lawrenceville during his attack on September 27, 2018.
– Singla stole personal information from over 200 patients using a digitizing device connected to a mammogram machine at GMC’s Lawrenceville hospital.
– He also used the printers at the Duluth hospital to print stolen patient information and sent “WE OWN YOU” messages.
– Singla sought publicity for the attack on Twitter and reached out to potential clients to generate business for Securolytics.
– Prosecutors are asking for a sentence of 57 months of probation, including home detention, due to Singla’s diagnosed medical conditions.
– The maximum term of imprisonment for Singla is 10 years, and the sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 15, 2024.
– Singla has agreed to pay over $817,000 plus interest in restitution to the Northside Hospital Gwinnett and Ace American Insurance Company as part of the plea deal.