Sharma Indicted in Bay Area DDoS Attacks

SAN FRANCISCO – Sean Krishanmakoto Sharma, a 26-year-old computer science graduate student, is facing serious federal charges after being indicted for unleashing a barrage of crippling distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks against a San Francisco-based online chat provider. The attacks, allegedly carried out between November 6, 2014, and January 20, 2015, aimed to disrupt the company’s services to its third-party website clients.

According to the indictment, filed December 1, 2016, and unsealed December 9, 2016, Sharma, of La Canada, California, employed a sophisticated “DDoS” tool to compromise numerous computers, turning them into unwitting weapons in his digital assault. The targeted company, which provides essential online chat functionality, suffered significant disruption as a result of Sharma’s alleged actions. U.S. Attorney Brian J. Stretch and FBI Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett jointly announced the indictment, signaling a serious crackdown on cyber offenses.

The feds are charging Sharma with one count in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1030(a)(5)(A) & (c)(4)(A)(i)(I) – a hefty charge that carries a potential maximum sentence of ten years behind bars. Beyond prison time, Sharma could also face three years of supervised release and a substantial fine if convicted. This isn’t some kid messing around; this is a calculated attack on a business’s infrastructure.

Sharma was taken into custody December 9, 2016, in La Canada, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alka Sagar. He was released on a $100,000 bond, a sign that the prosecution believes they have a solid case. His next court date is scheduled for December 16, 2016, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley for arraignment, where he will formally enter his plea.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation. Sharma is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the U.S. Attorney’s office, through Assistant United States Attorney Cynthia Frey of the Computer Hacking/Intellectual Property Unit, intends to build a case that demonstrates his culpability. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, who meticulously traced the attacks back to Sharma.

The sentencing, should Sharma be convicted, will be determined by the court after careful consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the relevant federal statute, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. This case serves as a stark reminder that cybercrime is a serious federal offense, and those who attempt to disrupt online services will be pursued and held accountable. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds.