Contractors with hacking records accused of wiping 96 govt databases (www.bleepingcomputer.com)

U.S. prosecutors have charged twin brothers Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter with conspiring to steal sensitive information and wipe out 96 government databases after being fired from their contractor roles. Previously convicted for accessing State Department systems and stealing personal information, the Akhters’ recent actions took place in February 2025, where Muneeb allegedly deleted databases that included Freedom of Information Act records and sensitive investigative data. Following their termination, the brothers engaged in activities to sabotage their former employer, including issuing commands to prevent modifications to databases before deletion and soliciting advice from an artificial intelligence tool on how to erase system logs after their illicit activities. This case underscores the vulnerabilities within federal IT security and the potential misuse of technical knowledge by contractors. The Akhters’ actions not only jeopardize the integrity and functionality of government databases but also highlight broader implications for data security, as insider threats pose significant risks to sensitive government operations. If convicted, Muneeb faces a potential 45-year sentence across multiple charges, illustrating the severity of consequences for violating trust in security-sensitive roles.