Becky Purser follows up on a breach first reported yesterday:
A 21-year-old computer consultant accused of hacking into Houston Healthcare’s database was granted a $10,000 conditional bond Thursday in Houston County Superior Court.
Christopher Stewart Wheeler of Warner Robins, who is charged with one count of theft by taking, four counts of computer theft and five counts of computer invasion of privacy, was ordered by Judge Edward D. Lukemire to have no access to computers or cell phones or contact with Houston Healthcare.
[…]
Although Wheeler apparently did not access medical or financial records or Social Security numbers, Smith expressed concern that he could in the future if released on bond. She noted Houston Healthcare is now checking the security of the network, having had to bring in an outside company, and potential damages could be as high as $100,000.
Read more on Macon.com
I realize that some people may feel that this was just a stupid or immature thing on a young man’s part, but as the story makes clear, this was not a victimless crime. I’m not sure that barring him from all access to computers is appropriate, though, as it stops him from working and isn’t he supposed to be innocent until proven guilty?
Actually, while I agree that it was a ballsy move as a pitch for a job, the agency should have applauded the young man and hired him. He is the type of person they needed apparently. I don’t recommend this for others but it possibly save the agency from a data breach.