Cyber hero ‘admits to bank attack software’
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 (£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, also known as MalwareTech, 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 $2000 (£1522) in digital currency in June 2015.
After the hearing, Hutchins’ lawyer Adrian Lobo said: “He has dedicated his life to researching malware, not trying to harm people. He has used the internet for good.”