SEATTLE – A former Seattle technology company software engineer was indicted Wedneday by a federal grand jury on two counts related to her hacking into more than 30 different companies.
Paige Thompsom, aka erratic, 33, will be arraigned on the indictment in U.S. District Court in Seattle on September 5. She remains in custody.
Thompson is charged with wire fraud and computer fraud and abuse for the intrusion into data of Capital One and more than 30 other entities. Law enforcement has identified many of the victims whose data was accessed and is working to notify them.
The indictment describes some of the victims as a state agency outside the State of Washington, including a telecommunications conglomerate and a public research university outside.
According to the indictment, Thompson used illegal access not only to steal data, but also used stolen computer power to “mine” cryptocurrency for her own benefit, a practice known as “cryptojacking.”
The charges in the indictment carry penalties of up to 25 years in prison.
The case is being investigated by the FBI.