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.
In light of recent U.S. Treasury sanctions against a Chinese national linked to virtual currency scams, major tech companies like Facebook and PayPal face scrutiny for allowing continued access. This article examines the implications of these sanctions and the necessary actions tech firms must take to uphold accountability and user safety.
The recent allegations against Gmail regarding spam filters have stirred controversy, particularly among Republican fundraising efforts. This article explores the claims of bias against GOP emails, examines the reasons behind these spam filter actions, and highlights the implications for political communication and cybersecurity.
The Aisuru botnet has reached unprecedented levels, primarily fueled by compromised IoT devices among major U.S. ISPs. This article explores the implications of this threat, the challenges faced by ISPs, and the necessary measures to combat escalating DDoS attacks.