This article describes an insider threat incident where two former federal contractors, after being terminated, performed unauthorized access to their former employer's systems. Their attack method involved write-protecting and deleting approximately 96 government databases, including sensitive documents, and then attempting to conceal their actions by clearing system logs and wiping laptops. The article is a news report on a concluded criminal case and does not contain technical details for a vulnerability summary such as a CVSS score, affected software versions, patches, or workarounds.
Government security Virginia man found guilty of destroying government databases after being fired May 11, 2026 Share By SC Staff (Adobe Stock Images) Bleeping Computer reports that a Virginia man has been found guilty of conspiring to destroy dozens of government databases after his employment as a federal contractor was terminated. Sohaib Akhter, 34, was convicted by a federal jury for his role in the incident. The incident occurred on February 18, 2025, shortly after Sohaib Akhter and his twin brother, Muneeb Akhter, were fired by their employer, a company that serviced over 45 federal agencies. Following their termination, the brothers allegedly accessed computer systems without authorization, write-protected and deleted approximately 96 government databases, and destroyed evidence of their actions. This included sensitive investigative documents and Freedom of Information Act records. Prosecutors stated that the brothers also sought to conceal their activities by asking an AI assistant how to clear system logs and by wiping company laptops. Sohaib Akhter faces a maximum of 21 years in prison, while his brother Muneeb faces up to 45 years for his involvement in computer fraud, destruction of records, and aggravated identity theft. Source: Bleeping Computer SC Staff Related Government security US military data exposed in leaky directory despite CISA notification SC Staff May 8, 2026 The exposed data, belonging to US government contractor CMI Management Inc., was found via an open directory listing vulnerability following a tip to Cybernews. Application security Analysis reveals concerning features in official White House app SC Staff May 8, 2026 A security researcher known as Thereallo has found that the app can inject code into third-party websites, effectively hiding cookie consent banners, GDPR notices, and paywalls. Security Operations CISA urges critical infrastructure to plan for prolonged service delivery during emergencies SC Staff May 8, 2026 CISA is warning that state-sponsored hackers, specifically Chinese groups known as Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon, pose a continuous threat to vital sectors such as electricity, water, and internet services. Get daily email updates SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news Business Email By clicking the Subscribe button below, you agree to SC Media Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . Subscribe You can skip this ad in 5 seconds