A systems administrator for the San Fransisco Computer Network, who goes by the name of Terry Childs, got a bit more attention than we originally wanted. He was (note the pasted tense) one of the key engineers to the SanFran Computer Network, but abused his powers for evil.
I’m guessing this particular Systems Administrator was somehow disgruntled, because he installed a backdoor into the San Fransisco Computer Network to allow him exclusive access, and block everyone else. The network stores e-mails, sensitive documents, city payroll files, law enforcement documents, … and access was completely blocked to the outside world. The Admin was arrested shortly after, but refused to give the necessary passwords to unlock the network.
Authorities say Childs began tampering with the computer system June 20. The damage is still being assessed, but authorities say undoing his denial of access to other system administrators could cost millions of dollars. Officials also said they feared that although Childs is in jail, he may have enabled a third party to access the system by telephone or other electronic device and order the destruction of hundreds of thousands of sensitive documents. Authorities have searched Childs’ home and car for a device that could be used in such an attack, but so far no such evidence has been found.
I’ve already discussed how we, administrators, are the underdog of society, but I guess Terry Childs didn’t leave it at that. This does show how powerful our business is, in the wrong hands.
If you’re interested, the story’s covered on Slashdot, sfgate.com and DatacenterKnowledge.com.