# Crooks Raked in Millions by Hacking Execs' Office365 Accounts! 💰

**URL:** <https://onehack.st/t/crooks-raked-in-millions-by-hacking-execs-office365-accounts/292706>\
**Category:** News & Articles\
**Tags:** hacking\
**Created:** [October 3, 2024, 6:30pm UTC](https://onehack.st/t/crooks-raked-in-millions-by-hacking-execs-office365-accounts/292706 "2024-10-03T18:30:03Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![TheJoker](https://onehack.st/user_avatar/onehack.st/thejoker/32/22660_2.png) [@TheJoker](https://onehack.st/u/TheJoker)\
**Post date:** [October 3, 2024, 6:30pm UTC](https://onehack.st/t/crooks-raked-in-millions-by-hacking-execs-office365-accounts/292706/1 "2024-10-03T18:30:04Z")

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**Summary:**

1. **Charges Filed Against Hacker**  
Federal prosecutors have charged Robert B. Westbrook in a “hack-to-trade” scheme that allegedly netted him millions by breaching Office365 accounts of executives at publicly traded companies.

2. **Illicit Earnings**  
Westbrook reportedly earned approximately $3.75 million in 2019 and 2020 by trading stocks based on confidential financial reports accessed before public release.

3. **Advance Trading Strategies**  
By exploiting this insider information, he strategically placed “put” options to profit when stock prices fell and bought shares before positive earnings announcements to sell at higher prices.

4. **Multiple Counts**  
Westbrook faces one count of securities fraud, one count of wire fraud, and five counts of computer fraud, with the securities fraud charge carrying a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

5. **SEC’s Ongoing Efforts**  
The SEC has filed a separate civil suit against Westbrook, emphasizing its commitment to protecting markets and investors from cyber fraud, showcasing advanced techniques to trace and uncover fraudulent activities.

**Read more at:** [Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com/security/2024/10/crook-made-millions-by-breaking-into-execs-office365-inboxes-feds-say/) | [SEC Press Release](https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024-153)