The Journal. How One Teenager Became a Legendary Hacker
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Oct 16, 2024 
Robert McMillan, a WSJ reporter, dives into the riveting world of young hackers, focusing on Arion Kurtaj. He shares how Kurtaj, starting at just 11, rose to infamy by hacking giants like Nvidia and Microsoft. The discussion highlights the troubling trend of tech-savvy teens turning to cybercrime and the dangers of doxing and SIM swapping. McMillan also touches on the complexities of prosecuting young offenders and the mental health challenges tied to their actions, raising alarms about a new breed of fearless digital criminals.
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Teenage Hacker Targets Tech Giants
- Arion Kurtaj, a 17-year-old hacker, was involved in attacks on major companies like NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Uber.
- Cybersecurity investigators believe Kurtaj began his cybercrime activities at age 11.
Kurtaj's Early Life and Online Escape
- Arion Kurtaj, born autistic, struggled in school and faced behavioral challenges.
- He found solace and identity in the virtual world of online gaming.
From Gaming to Cybercrime
- Kurtaj's hacking journey began with video games, where he learned techniques to gain an advantage.
- He progressed to cybercrimes, including a 2021 attack on Electronic Arts, demanding $28 million.