A systems administrator who was laid off on Nov. 5 from an unnamed mutual fund company in New York wasnt happy enough with the severance package the company gave him, Computerworld reports.
Viktor Savtvrev, of Old Bridge, N.J., was arrested at his home Monday on two charges of cyber extortion, having allegedly tried to obtain additional money from the employer as well as extend his medical coverage and guarantee excellent references. If the company did not comply, he told the firms general counsel and three other executives via an e-mail, he would cause extensive damage to its computer servers.
The fact that the company gave him a severance package at all is important, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Erez Liebermann, especially at this time of layoffs and financial difficulties, because were making it clear that people cant take their frustrations out on companies and employers. This arrest should also send a message to other companies that extra vigilance is important right now.
