A Former Uber security executive is facing charges on his previous actions after concealing information and evidence regarding a hack that took place in the company's systems. The hack happened last 2016, but the executive hid this from the public and failed to disclose the incident to its users, as well as the authorities after he tried to hide it from all.
However, no bad deed goes unpunished, and Joe Sullivan is now facing a massive case of obstruction of justice and concealing a felony.
Former Uber Security Chief is Guilty of Hiding Breach
(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
A worker cleans a sign in front of the Uber headquarters on May 18, 2020 in San Francisco, California. Uber announced plans to cut 3,000 jobs and shutter or consolidate 40 offices around the world due to severely declining business as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues. The cuts come two weeks after Uber cut 3,700 employees.
The San Fransisco federal court found Joe Sullivan guilty of the charges against him, including obstruction of justice and concealing a felony that took place in a 2016 breach on the company. The cybersecurity incident was publicized after his removal from the company in 2017 when Uber disclosed the incident to all.
The worse thing here is that the 2016 breach faced 50 million of stolen customer data and 7 million of driver data stolen from the company.
According to The Washington Post, Sullivan's attorney defended the former executive, saying that his concern was to protect people from online threats against their data.
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Companies Should Report Hacks, Breaches
Despite the many actions that companies are taking against threat actors, and at some times negotiating with them, incidents like this should be made known to the public. First and foremost, it is still the public's personal information and sensitive data that were taken, and companies like Uber should have the responsibility in protecting them at all times.
Uber and Security Issues on its Systems
The ride-hailing app faces many security threats on its platform where many malicious entities enforce their viruses or malware on its systems to get what they want. The latest breach on Uber's network was last September, and the company allegedly had its systems accessed, according to the threat actor which claimed what took place.
The company later confirmed the issue and said that no personal or sensitive information was taken, saying that Uber already had it under control amidst what happened. Uber claimed that there was no evidence of any breach or problem which took place, with the company saying that all of its features are operational.
And while companies need to investigate and let the public know of any incidents, they are also obliged to report anything regarding different claims of hacks within their systems. Former Security Chief Joe Sullivan failed to do this, resulting in a massive case against him which will now land him massive fines or jail time.
Related Article: Former Uber Chief Security Officer Found Guilty on Two Counts
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Written by Isaiah Richard
