Student gets caught trying to sell Android malware online, faces up to 10 years in prison

Dramatic reenactment

A student from Carnegie Mellon University could face prison time after admitting to a federal court judge that he was responsible for creating Android malware. Thanks, *sshole.

20 year old Morgan C. Culbertson pleaded guilty to “conspiracy to damage protected computers” and is one of 3 men responsible for building an app called Dendroid. He told U.S. District Judge Maurice Cohill Jr. he planned to sell in an online marketplace called Darkode for about $300 to other douche bags who enjoy that sorta thing.

Your typical Android malware, once installed, Dendroid spies on text message conversations, takes photos, and even records phone conversations — all unbeknownst to the user (of course). Culbertson admits that he attempted to sell the source code online, but he reportedly didn’t receive any offers.

Culbertson, who says he’s sorry and will use his “skills” to protect computer users, now faces up to 10 years in prison, although it’s highly unlikely he’ll receive anywhere near the maximum. He’s currently free on a $10,000 bond with sentencing scheduled for December.

[Post-Gazette]