Hacker Duo Raided Pop Stars' Computers

Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake among German pair's victims
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 3, 2010 3:25 AM CST
Hackers Raid Pop Stars' Computers
Kelly Clarkson's fans tipped her off about the stolen songs.   (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

A pair of German hackers raided the computers of more than 50 pop stars, including Lady Gaga and Justin Timberlake, looking for material to sell, prosecutors say. The pair's haul allegedly includes unreleased songs by several artists and a photo of singer Ke$ha having sex, which they tried to blackmail her with, the Telegraph reports. The pair, who haven't been charged with any crime yet, used Trojans to access the computers.

"We are talking about illegal, bootlegged publication, and spying using Trojans,” a German prosecutor says, adding that the hacking forced several artists to change record release dates. The pair—who bragged about their activities in online forums—came to the attention of authorities after fans warned Kelly Clarkson that unreleased songs of hers were available on the Internet. (More Trojan viruses stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X