Noah Michael Urban, a 21-year-old from Florida, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the Scattered Spider cybercrime group. He orchestrated SIM-swapping attacks that resulted in the theft of over $800,000 from victims, emphasizing the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
A 21-year-old man from Palm Coast, Florida, Noah Michael Urban, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for his role in a notorious cybercrime operation known as 'Scattered Spider.' In a significant ruling by federal prosecutors, Urban was also ordered to pay approximately $13 million in restitution to the victims of his crimes.
Urban was part of a sophisticated criminal network that specialized in SIM-swapping attacks, a form of identity theft that allows hackers to gain control over a victim’s mobile phone number. This method enables the hacker to divert calls and text messages meant for the victim to their own device, thus bypassing security measures that rely on two-factor authentication via SMS.
In April 2025, Noah Michael Urban pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including wire fraud and conspiracy. Prosecutors revealed that he conspired with others to steal over $800,000 from at least five victims through these fraudulent activities. The impact of such crimes extends beyond financial loss; victims often suffer long-term consequences, including compromised online accounts and damaged reputations.
Urban’s sentencing serves as a warning to would-be cybercriminals about the serious repercussions of engaging in such activities. The federal court emphasized that this type of crime harms not only individual victims but also undermines trust in digital systems. The hefty restitution amount further illustrates the significant financial damage inflicted by Urban and his associates.
The sentencing of Noah Michael Urban highlights the growing threat of cybercrime, particularly through methods like SIM-swapping. As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics employed by cybercriminals. Educating the public about these risks and advocating for enhanced security measures are essential steps in protecting individuals from becoming victims of cyber fraud.
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