A former student admitted today to using a device known as the “USB killer” to fry several computers and other electronic equipment at the College of St. Rose in Albany.
Vishwanath Akuthota, 27, admitted to intentionally destroying 66 computers on campus -- and to recording himself on video as he did it.
Akuthota recorded himself saying things like “I’m going to kill this guy” in the video he made, federal officials said.
Akuthota, a citizen of India studying in the U.S. on a visa, was arrested in February in North Carolina. He has been held in federal custody since.
Officials said on Feb. 14, Akuthota inserted the “USB killer” into 66 computers and numerous other devices owned by the college, including computer monitors and enhanced podiums.
The damage totaled more than $58,000.
According to federal officials, the USB killer works like this: When inserted into a USB port, the “killer” sends commands that activate the equipment’s power components -- the parts of the device that charge the power and store energy.
The USB killer then directs the infected device to rapidly charge and then discharge. Officials said this overloads the electrical system of a computer or other electronic device, effectively destroying it.
Akuthota has agreed to pay the college restitution for the damages he caused.
His sentencing was scheduled for Aug. 12 before U.S. District Court Judge Mae D’Agostino. Akuthota faces up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of post-release supervision.
Public Affairs Reporter Julie McMahon covers courts, government, education and other issues affecting taxpayers. She can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992