Contractor Fined $10M for Selling Hacking Tools

A former L3Harris executive, Peter Williams, has been ordered to pay $10 million in restitution to his former employer for stealing and selling advanced hacking tools. Williams, who led L3Harris's spyware division, pleaded guilty to stealing trade secrets and selling them to a Russian firm that brokers such tools. The stolen exploits were reportedly used by Russian and Chinese cybercriminals, betraying U.S. and allied interests. This order adds to a previous $1.3 million payment, with L3Harris claiming losses up to $35 million due to the theft. Williams' actions led to a prison sentence and significant financial penalties.