Previously convicted contractors wiped gov databases after being fired, feds say

Two brothers, Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter, both 34 and from Alexandria, Virginia, are facing new charges after a botched attempt to erase government records. This incident follows their previous conviction a decade ago for hacking into systems of the US Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Justice reported that the siblings, employed as federal contractors, attempted to steal and eliminate sensitive data just moments after being terminated from their positions. According to the indictment revealed on Thursday, the brothers were working for a contractor that provides services to 45 US government agencies. The timeline of events is striking. After being fired at approximately 4:55 PM on February 18, the Akhters allegedly initiated their scheme just five minutes later. Despite one brother losing access to his account, the other managed to access a government database hosted on their employer's server. He then issued commands that not only restricted other users from making changes but also attempted to delete 96 databases, containing crucial investigative files and Freedom of Information Act records. In a twist of fate, their efforts to cover their tracks proved futile. Lacking the necessary expertise in database command protocols, the brothers resorted to using an AI chat tool for guidance. Shortly after their initial deletions, Muneeb reportedly inquired about clearing system logs from SQL servers and Microsoft Windows Server 2012. The details outlined in the indictment suggest that their attempts to erase traces of their actions were unsuccessful, raising questions about whether the AI tool's instructions were insufficient or if the brothers misapplied them. Furthermore, records indicate that they engaged in conversations regarding the disposal of incriminating evidence from their residences. Just three days post-incident, they allegedly wiped their employer-issued laptops by reinstalling the operating system, trying once again to erase their digital footprints.