Teen Suspected of Accessing Saarland University Student Data and Demanding Crypto Payment

Summary

Prosecutors say a teenager is suspected of exploiting a software flaw in Saarland University's learning platform to access data on about 40,000 students, then demanding a four-figure cryptocurrency payment to prevent publication. The investigation continues.

Key points

• A teenager is suspected of gaining unauthorized access to Saarland University's learning platform in mid-April.
• The suspect allegedly exploited a software vulnerability to obtain names and email addresses associated with about 40,000 student records.
• Prosecutors say the suspect contacted the university and demanded a four-figure sum in cryptocurrency to keep the data from being published.
• Authorities searched the suspect's premises and seized electronic devices and storage media as potential evidence.
• The suspect's exact age was not disclosed; the investigation is ongoing.