A federal jury in Cleveland has convicted a Texas man for deploying malicious code on his former employer’s network, causing significant disruption and financial losses. Davis Lu, 55, of Houston, was found guilty of causing intentional damage to protected computers.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Lu, a former software developer for a Beachwood, Ohio-based company, deliberately sabotaged the company’s systems after his responsibilities were reduced in a 2018 corporate realignment.
Lu’s actions included introducing “infinite loops” that crashed servers, deleting coworker profile files, and implementing a “kill switch” that would lock out all users if his credentials were disabled.
READ: Man Wanted In Mexico For Ayotzinapa Student Kidnappings, Murders Deported By ICE In Texas
This “kill switch,” named “IsDLEnabledinAD,” was activated upon his termination in September 2019, impacting thousands of users globally. He also named other malicious code “Hakai” (destruction) and “HunShui” (sleep/lethargy).
Furthermore, Lu deleted encrypted data on his company laptop and researched methods to escalate privileges and hide processes, indicating an intent to obstruct efforts to resolve the system disruptions. The company suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses as a result of Lu’s actions.
“Mr. Lu was calculating in his intent to inflict damage to a company that provides products and services to businesses and organizations that span a variety of industries and fields,” said Acting United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik. “Together with our colleagues from the Criminal Division and the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will prosecute those who intend to disrupt business operations, especially, if it has the potential to inflict greater harm on national and international levels. We will hold perpetrators accountable and pursue justice against vindictive employees who break federal laws.”
READ: VIDEO: Flare Gun Vs. Baseball Bat: Florida Road Rage Erupts Into Violent Attack
“Sadly, Davis Lu used his education, experience, and skill to purposely harm and hinder not only his employer and their ability to safely conduct business, but also stifle thousands of users worldwide,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen.
Lu faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set. The FBI Cleveland Division investigated the case.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
