The famous movie “The Escape from Alcatraz” was a cinematic success that endures over the years. The idea of escaping from prison is not new among inmates, but with the digitization of much of the penitentiary resources, new attack vectors open up to attempt the longed-for escape.
This is what Konrad Voits from Michigan tried, United States, who hacked the computer system of a penitentiary to modify the data of a friend of his, an inmate in prison, and reduce his sentence.
The technique used is as simple as it is effective. Phishing and social engineering campaigns, by sending emails and making phone calls to get prison officials to download malicious software onto the computers.
Once access was guaranteed, Konrad modified his friend's prison sentence, reducing it. Nevertheless, the prison officials noticed the change and alerted the FBI.
Konrad faces a sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of 250.000 dollars for the crimes committed.