**Hacker Pleads Guilty to Stealing Nude Images from Over 570 Snapchat Accounts**
Kyle Svara, a 27-year-old man from Illinois, has pleaded guilty to hacking nearly 600 Snapchat accounts as part of an elaborate scheme to steal nude and semi-nude images from female student athletes. The shocking case highlights the devastating consequences of online harassment and the importance of being cautious when receiving suspicious text messages.
According to court documents, Svara's phishing operation ran from May 2020 to February 2021, during which he impersonated a Snapchat customer support representative and tricked victims into sending their login codes to access their accounts. To carry out this scheme, Svara used a service called TextNow, which allows users to send text messages under a different number.
Investigators revealed that Svara created a TextNow account in his own name and sent over 4,500 outgoing messages to would-be victims, posing as the "Snapchat Support Team." His phishing messages were cleverly crafted to solicit four-digit "My Eyes Only" passcodes, which granted him access to an additional secure section of the victim's Snapchat account. This allowed him to download personal images from at least 59 women.
The case is particularly disturbing as it highlights the darker side of online harassment. Svara not only stole nude and semi-nude images but also advertised his ability to infiltrate Snapchat accounts on online forums, including Reddit. Furthermore, he sold or traded the stolen images with others on the internet.
A former track and field coach at Northeastern University, Steve Waithe, was allegedly involved in Svara's scheme. Waithe was sentenced to five years in prison in 2024 for stealing personal photos from over 100 women across the country through the use of nearly two dozen sham social media and email accounts.
Svara faces up to 32 years in prison after pleading guilty to hacking-related crimes. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 18, and it remains to be seen how severe his punishment will be. In the meantime, this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of being vigilant when receiving suspicious text messages claiming to come from popular apps or internet services.
As the investigation unfolded, investigators uncovered that Svara registered the TextNow account in his own name, further solidifying his involvement in the scheme. The case also underscores the need for online platforms and services to prioritize user security and prevent such phishing operations from occurring in the first place.
The shocking revelations have sparked concerns about the ease with which hackers can manipulate individuals into handing over sensitive information. As we navigate the complexities of online life, it's essential to remain aware of the risks involved and take necessary precautions to protect ourselves from cyber threats.