Nvidia, Uber Cyberattacks Lead Back to UK Teenage Duo: Report

Arion Kurtaj, an 18-year-old, along with a younger 17-year-old associate, both from the U.K., were identified as integral figures of the infamous cybercriminal group, Lapsus$. 

Reports linked the group with the hacking of significant corporations, like Nvidia Corp NVDA, Rockstar Games Inc, and Uber Technologies Inc UBER. Recent courtroom proceedings have exposed their illicit activities.

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The teens' criminal activities spanned several high-profile companies. The two were found guilty of computer misuse, fraud, and blackmail, mainly targeting BT Group Plc BTGOF and its subsidiary, the EE network, and Nvidia. 

The repercussions of these cyber-attacks have had significant financial implications for these corporations, Bloomberg reports.

The group employed social engineering techniques like targeting companies that operate call centers for brand name firms and publicized their successes on a Telegram channel.

Lapsus$ emerged as a significant threat in the cybercrime world between 2021 and 2022. Their modus operandi often involved impersonating staff members to access corporate online systems. 

Their motivation seemingly revolved around financial gains, notoriety, and amusement.

The seven-week trial highlighted that the teens successfully hacked into Nvidia's systems. They pilfered nearly a terabyte of the company's data, presumably with intentions of ransom. 

Their criminal scope also covered a widespread SIM swap scam aimed at EE customers, resulting in substantial losses from personal bank and cryptocurrency accounts.

Kurtaj, in collaboration with other unidentified Lapsus$ members, exploited vulnerabilities even while out on bail. They notably stole essential code and video footage from the latest Grand Theft Auto game, a product of Rockstar Games.

While the 17-year-old awaits sentencing later this year, Kurtaj's fate remains uncertain. 

Given his intricate medical condition, the judge will decide on a potential hospital or supervision order in the future.

The lawyers representing the two accused haven't released any public statements post-trial.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.