Compliance Management, Malware, Phishing, Privacy, Threat Management

‘Celebgate’ hacker pleads guilty to Hacking Apple and Gmail accounts

The “Celebgate” hacker Tuesday pleaded guilty for a phishing scam that led him to hack into the Apple and Gmail accounts of more than 100 people, including celebrities, to steal nude photos and videos.

Ryan Collins, of Lancaster, Pa., admitted to felony computer hacking charges before a Senior U.S. District Court Judge in Harrisburg, Pa., the U.S. Department of Justice said in a May 24 press release.

The plea deals said Collins illegally accessed 50 iCloud and 72 Gmail accounts between November 2012 and early September 2014.

In March, Collins was charged in Los Angeles but the case was transferred to Harrisburg, Pa., in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, near his home, for his guilty plea and sentencing, according to a separate March 15 Justice Department release.  

He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

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