British cyber security expert denies US malware charges
A British cyber security researcher credited with helping curb a recent worldwide ransomware attack has pleaded not guilty to US federal charges accusing him of creating malicious software to steal banking information.
Marcus Hutchins, 23, entered the plea during a hearing in Wisconsin federal court, Milwaukee.
He and an unnamed co-defendant face charges of conspiring to commit computer fraud in the American state and elsewhere.
(Frank Augstein/AP)
Authorities arrested Hutchins on August 2 in Las Vegas airport as he prepared to travel home to Ilfracombe, Devon, after he had attended a cyber security convention.
The indictment said the alleged offences took place from July 2014 to July 2015.
Hutchins was hailed as a cyber crime-fighting hero four months ago when he found a “kill switch” that slowed the outbreak of the WannaCry virus.
Hutchins has been granted computer access for work while his case is pending. It was not clear from Monday’s brief hearing what that work would entail.
A pre-trial hearing has been set for October 17.