A County Derry man has been handed a suspended sentence after being found guilty of cyber-crime related offences against a multi-international sports brand. The man, whose identity has been protected due to legal reasons, was convicted of hacking into the brand’s computer system and stealing sensitive information.

The court heard how the man gained unauthorized access to the brand’s database and downloaded confidential data, including customer details and financial information. He then used this information for his own personal gain, selling it on the dark web to the highest bidder. The cyber-crime had serious implications for the sports brand, causing a breach of trust with their customers and leading to financial losses.

The man was arrested after an investigation by cybercrime experts, who traced the illegal activities back to his computer. He initially denied any involvement in the hacking but later confessed when presented with overwhelming evidence against him. The court was told that the man had a history of cyber-crime related offences and had previously been convicted for similar offenses.

In sentencing, the judge took into account the seriousness of the crimes committed and the impact it had on the sports brand. However, due to the man’s cooperation with authorities and his remorse for his actions, he was given a suspended sentence. This means that he will not serve any time in prison as long as he abides by the conditions set by the court.

The man’s defense team argued that he had turned his life around since the cyber-crime incident and was now seeking to make amends for his past mistakes. They also pointed out that he had expressed genuine remorse for his actions and had taken steps to rehabilitate himself.

The sports brand welcomed the court’s decision to convict the man and send a strong message that cyber-crime will not be tolerated. They emphasized the importance of protecting customer data and ensuring the security of their systems against hackers.

Experts in cyber-security have warned that incidents of cyber-crime are on the rise, with hackers becoming more sophisticated in their methods. They advise companies to invest in robust security measures to protect their data from unauthorized access and prevent cyber-attacks.

Overall, the case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of engaging in cyber-crime and the importance of maintaining strong cybersecurity practices. It also highlights the need for collaboration between law enforcement agencies and businesses to combat the growing threat of online criminal activities.

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