Canada Extradites One of Two Suspects in University Supercomputer Cryptojacking Case
Summary
Canada extradited one of two nationals charged in the U.S. over alleged hacks of university networks and supercomputers. The indictment alleges credential theft, data exfiltration and cryptocurrency mining that rendered one research supercomputer unavailable.
Key points
- U.S. prosecutors charged Ryan James Roach and Mathiew James Stubbings with offenses including conspiracy, obtaining information from protected computers and intentional damage.
- Canada extradited one suspect; Roach appeared in U.S. court and remains in custody pending a detention hearing. Stubbings' extradition proceedings are ongoing.
- The indictment alleges unauthorized access to university networks from June 2016 to December 2019, affecting institutions in four U.S. states.
- The defendants allegedly used rented virtual private servers under false names and compromised computers to conceal their identities.
- Prosecutors allege the defendants stole credentials, exfiltrated data and deployed cryptocurrency-mining software.
- Investigators said at least one supercomputer mined Electroneum for the defendants, using enough computing power to make it unavailable to the research institution.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Criminal case involving alleged hacking of university supercomputers and cryptocurrency mining
- Impact
- The indictment alleges that the defendants stole login credentials, exfiltrated data, and mined Electroneum using victims’ computers. At least one supercomputer was allegedly rendered unavailable to its research institution, and the indictment alleges damage to ten or more protected computers and aggregate losses of at least $5,000.
Threat Actors
Mathiew James StubbingsA defendant charged in the United States who is alleged to have participated in hacking university computer networks, stealing credentials, and mining cryptocurrency. His extradition proceedings are ongoing.Ryan James RoachA defendant charged in the United States who is alleged to have participated in hacking university computer networks, stealing credentials, and mining cryptocurrency. He appeared in U.S. district court and remains in custody pending a detention hearing.
Countries
CanadaTwo Canada nationals face charges in the United States for hacking university supercomputers, stealing login credentials and mining cryptocurrency for financial gain. Canada extradited one of the suspects to the UnitedUnited StatesTwo Canada nationals face charges in the United States for hacking university supercomputers, stealing login credentials and mining cryptocurrency for financial gain. Canada extradited one of the suspects to the United