Developer gets 4 years for activating network “kill switch” to avenge his firing

A disgruntled developer, who was recently fired from his job, has been sentenced to four years in prison for activating a "kill switch" that shut down his former employer's network. The developer, who worked for a software company, sought to avenge his termination by intentionally disrupting the company's operations. Investigators discovered that the developer had named the "kill switch" after himself, making it easier to trace the incident back to him. The unauthorized access and disruption of the network caused significant financial losses and operational challenges for the company. The developer pleaded guilty to charges related to computer fraud and abuse. The court imposed a four-year prison sentence, acknowledging the gravity of the developer's actions and the importance of deterring such malicious behavior in the workplace. This case highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures and the consequences that disgruntled employees can face when they resort to unlawful means to retaliate against their employers.