[ISN] Ex-Varian worker charged with hacking

[InfoSec News]

http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml?type=internetNews&storyID=6048907

23 August, 2004
 
BOSTON (Reuters) - A former employee of Varian Semiconductor Equipment
Associates hacked into the company's computer system and damaged some
software after learning he would be let go by the chip equipment
maker, federal prosecutors have charged.

Patrick Angle, 34, logged into Varian's computer server and deleted
the source codes for software he and others were developing, U.S.  
Attorney Michael Sullivan said in a news release on Monday.

Prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation said Angle became
upset with the Gloucester, Massachusetts-based company after being
told his contract would be terminated.

If convicted, Angle could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of
up to $250,000 (138,000 pounds). He was not available for immediate
comment.

Varian Semiconductor said it noticed the problem "fairly quickly" and
was able to restore the source code.

"Varian Semiconductor has cooperated fully and is pleased the
government is supportive of taking action to protect the proprietary
information of our company," said Gary Loser, the company's general
counsel.