Ex-US Soldier Who Googled 'Can Hacking Be Treason' Pleads Guilty to Extortion
In a shocking case of cybersecurity betrayal, a former US Army soldier has pleaded guilty to conspiring to break into telecom firms' databases and extort at least $1 million. Cameron John Wagenius, 21, who used the nickname "kiberphant0m" online, has taken a drastic fall from grace after bragging about accessing high-profile targets like President Donald Trump's call logs.
A History of Cybercrime
Wagenius' alleged exploits spanned between April 2023 and December 2024, with the former soldier and his accomplices using various methods to steal sensitive information. They employed tools such as SSH Brute to obtain stolen credentials, which they then used to defraud at least 10 organizations by accessing their phone companies' networks.
The telecom hack, which occurred while Wagenius was on active duty, involved the use of private and cybercrime forums like BreachForums and XSS.is. The victims were offered their data for sale, with some selling it successfully for thousands of dollars. This ill-gotten gain was then used to fund other scams, including SIM swapping, which could have been used in further attacks.
A Trail of Digital Footprints
Prosecutors have linked Wagenius to a trail of digital breadcrumbs that reveal his involvement in the conspiracy. According to court documents, he conducted online searches about how to defect to countries that do not extradite to the United States and had previously attempted to sell hacked information to at least one foreign intelligence service.
Wagenius' search history also contained phrases such as "can hacking be treason" and "US military personnel defecting to Russia," which suggest a deeper level of involvement in his cybercrime activities. Additionally, he bragged online about hacking telecom providers like AT&T and Verizon, and even posted call records belonging to public officials and their family members.
A Plea Deal
In a plea deal, Wagenius has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, extortion in relation to computer fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 6 and faces over 20 years behind bars if the judge throws the book at him.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity awareness and online responsibility. As Wagenius' actions demonstrate, even seemingly innocuous searches can have far-reaching consequences for one's online activities.
A Cautionary Tale
Wagenius' story also highlights the risks associated with SIM swapping scams and other forms of cybercrime. These types of attacks can be devastating to individuals and businesses alike, and it is essential that we remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent them.
As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to educate ourselves and others about cybersecurity best practices and online safety. By doing so, we can create a safer digital landscape for everyone.
A Conclusion
In the end, Wagenius' case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of cybercrime. As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize online responsibility and cybersecurity awareness to prevent similar cases from unfolding in the future.