Indian Student Destroys 59 University Computers With a 'Killer USB Drive', Faces 10 Years in jail
New York, Apr 19: An Indian student has pleaded guilty to intentionally causing damage of over USD 58,000 to more than 50 protected computers of a college in New York state capital Albany by using a "USB Killer" device.
Vishwanath Akuthota, 27, residing in the United States on a student visa, has been in custody since he was arrested in North Carolina in February this year.
He faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to USD 250,000 and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to three years.
United States Attorney Grant Jaquith said that he pleaded guilty this week to causing damage to computers owned by The College of St Rose.
Akuthota, who will be sentenced in August, admitted that on February 14, he inserted a "USB Killer" device into 66 computers, as well as numerous computer monitors and computer-enhanced podiums, owned by the college in Albany.
The "USB Killer" device, when inserted into a computer's USB port, sends a command causing the computer's on-board capacitors to rapidly charge and then discharge repeatedly, thereby overloading and physically destroying the computer's USB port and electrical system.
Akuthota admitted that he intentionally destroyed the computers, and recorded himself doing so using his iPhone, including making statements such as "I'm going to kill this guy" before inserting the "USB Killer" into a computer's USB port.
He also admitted that his actions caused over USD 58,470 in damage, and has agreed to pay restitution in that amount to the college.
Akuthota will be sentenced in August and faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to USD 250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to three years.
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Sister of Anjali Ambigera, who was stabbed to death, attempted suicide, says grandmother
Hubballi (PTI): Distressed over Anjali Ambigera's brutal murder four days ago, her sister Yashoda Ambigera attempted suicide, their grandmother Gangamma Ambigera has said.
Speaking to reporters, Gangamma said Yashoda consumed phenyl as she was missing Anjali.
Anjali was stabbed to death by her neibhour Girish Sawant on May 15 as she did not entertain his proposal for marriage.
Gangamma said Yashoda was also depressed because she felt her sister would not get justice, as the accused Girish Sawant was arrested and is "living comfortably" in police custody.
"Yashodha was upset that her sister was not getting justice and her murderer was leading a comfortable life and is getting good treatment in a hospital. So, she consumed it (phenyl). She is okay now," Gangamma said.
She demanded that the accused be "eliminated".
Meanwhile, the BJP charged that law and order has deteriorated in the state.
"Murderers are having a field day due to deteriorating law and order," Karnataka Leader of opposition R Ashoka alleged.
