British security expert to deny malware charges
THE British security expert hailed a hero for derailing a global cyber attack admitted to police he created a code which harvests bank details and hinted he sold it, a prosecutor told his US court hearing.
But Marcus Hutchins, from Ilfracombe, Devon, plans to plead not guilty to all six counts of creating and distributing the Kronos malware, his lawyer said after his appearance in Las Vegas on Friday.
The 23-year-old, who found a “kill-switch” that curbed the WannaCry ransomware that crippled the NHS and spread to 150 countries in May, was granted bail for 30,000 dollars (£23,000) on the condition he stays in the country.
Dan Cowhig, prosecuting, detailed evidence against Hutchins, which included an alleged confession during a police interview.
“He admitted he was the author of the code of Kronos malware and indicated he sold it,” Mr Cowhig said.
He said the researcher and his unnamed codefendant, who is still at large, were caught in a sting operation when undercover officers bought the code.
Prosecutors claim the software was sold for 2,000 dollars (£1,522) in digital currency in June 2015.
Other evidence comes from chat logs where he complains to the codefendant that he did not receive a fare share of the money, Mr Cowhig said.
After the hearing, Hutchins’ lawyer Adrian Lobo denied he is the author and said he would plead not guilty to all of the charges.