Post #2

International hacker pleads guilty for massive hacks
of U.S. retails networks. Friday, September 11, 2009
.More than 40 million credit and debit card numbers were stolen
from major U.S. retailers as a result of the hacking activity.

.Albert Gonzalez, 28, of Miami, pleaded guilty today to 19 counts of conspiracy, computer
fraud, wire fraud, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft relating to hacks into numerous
major U.S. retailers including TJX Companies, BJ’s Wholesale Club, OfficeMax, Boston Market,
Barnes & Noble and Sports Authority.

. Gonzalez was indicted in August 2008 in the District of
Massachusetts on charges related to these hacks.

. In the past 10 years there
has been a dramatic growth in the transfer and storage of credit and debit card data on computer
networks.

. Gonzalez and his coconspirators
were able to steal more than 40 million credit and debit card numbers from retailers.

. Based on the terms of the Boston plea agreement, Gonzalez faces a minimum of 15 years and
a maximum of 25 years in prison.

. He also faces a fine of up to
twice the pecuniary gain, twice the victims’ pecuniary loss or $250,000, whichever is greatest, per
count for the Boston case and a maximum fine of $250,000 for the New York case.

. Gonzalez also
agreed to an order of restitution for the loss suffered by his victims, and forfeiture of more than $2.7
million as well as multiple items of real estate and personal property, including a condo in Miami, a
2006 BMW 330i, a Tiffany diamond ring and Rolex watches.