Former Michigan Coach Charged with Hacking Athletes’ Data and Stealing Intimate Content

Former Michigan Coach Charged with Hacking Athletes’ Data and Stealing Intimate Content

A former Michigan co-offensive coordinator is facing serious legal repercussions, having been indicted on 24 counts of federal charges. Prosecutors announced the indictment on Thursday, detailing accusations of hacking the personal information of numerous athletes and stealing intimate photographs and videos over an extensive period.

Details of the Indictment

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan stated that the charges come more than two years after Matt Weiss, 42, was dismissed from his coaching role by former head coach Jim Harbaugh. This action followed an investigation into his alleged criminal activities.

Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck emphasized the commitment of law enforcement to prosecute computer hacking offenses that threaten the privacy of individuals. Beck stated, “Our office will move aggressively to prosecute computer hacking to protect the private accounts of our citizens. We stand ready with our law enforcement partners to bring those who illegally invade the privacy of others to justice.”

Scope of the Allegations

Weiss faces allegations of committing these crimes over an eight-year span, from 2015 to January 2023. According to the indictment, he illegally accessed student athlete databases from over 100 colleges and universities, maintained by a third-party vendor.

Through this unauthorized access, Weiss allegedly downloaded comprehensive personal data for more than 150,000 athletes. He then gained further access to information belonging to more than 2,000 individuals, including their social media accounts, email, and cloud storage.

Accusations of Privacy Invasion

Prosecutors claim that Weiss used this confidential information to obtain personal and intimate digital content that was never meant to be distributed outside of private relationships. This serious invasion of privacy highlights the potential dangers of data breaches in today’s digital age.

FBI Special Agent Cheyvoryea Gibson remarked on the importance of this case, stating, “Today’s indictment of Matthew Weiss underscores the commitment and meticulous investigative efforts of our law enforcement professionals.” The FBI Detroit Cyber Task Force collaborated closely with the University of Michigan Police Department, demonstrating their dedication to protecting the community.

Legal Ramifications

Weiss faces multiple charges, including 14 counts of unauthorized access to computers and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, he could receive a maximum of five years in prison for each unauthorized access charge and up to two years for every count of identity theft.

A Call to Action

The rising incidence of cyber crimes, particularly against vulnerable populations like students, necessitates stronger protective measures and increased awareness. Educational institutions must prioritize security protocols to safeguard student data and educate their communities about potential threats.

Cybersecurity experts recommend that individuals take proactive steps to protect their information, such as using strong passwords, securing personal accounts with two-factor authentication, and remaining vigilant against phishing attempts.

Looking Forward

This indictment serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by data breaches and the critical importance of upholding privacy standards in the digital landscape. As this case unfolds, it will certainly prompt discussions about accountability in positions of trust, particularly in educational settings.

The legal process will continue to unravel the extent of Weiss’s alleged actions and the implications for those affected. The outcome of this case may also influence broader discussions regarding cybersecurity laws and ethical standards within collegiate sports.