Lecture: The Xbox Underground Hacking Story

Background

• Group of teens involved in hacking, became FBI targets
• Targets: Epic, Microsoft, Activision, US military
• Stole over $100 million

Key Figures

• David Pokora: Toronto University student, primary hacker
  • Used alias "Xenon"
  • Interest in Xbox hacking
• Justin May: Friend of Pokora, recipient of a stolen Xbox bumper
• Dylan Wheeler (SuperDaE): Hacker from Perth, Australia
• Anthony Clark: Collaborator with Pokora
• Austin Alcala: Indiana high school hacker
• Nathan Leroux: Homeschooled student, co-authored hacking software
• Arman the Cbr: Burglar with access to Microsoft campus

The Beginning

• Pokora interested in Xbox hacking since childhood
• Developed programming skills early on
• Hacked Xbox and created Halo 2 utilities

Hacking into Corporations

• Epic Games breach: Collaborated with Wheeler
• Stole Gears of War 3 pre-release
• Stole data from various companies, including US military networks
• Created modding tools for Halo 3

Call of Duty Hacks

• Exploited Xbox 360 vulnerability (JTAGS)
• Created modded lobbies, gaining superhuman abilities
• Microsoft introduced detection systems but were outsmarted
• Profits reached up to $8,000 per day

Key Events

• 2011: Breached Epic Games' network
• 2012: Pokora and Wheeler infiltrated Zombie Studios, US Army networks
• 2013: Investigative pressure increased
  • Epic Games and FBI involved
  • Wheeler’s provocative actions escalated situation
• 2014: Pokora arrested at border

Legal Consequences

• Pokora's sealed 16-count indictment
• FBI raid at Nathan Leroux's house
• Sentences:
  • Pokora: 18 months
  • Leroux: 24 months
  • Nesheiwat: 18 months

Post-Prison Life

• Mixed success for individuals involved
  • Alcala received lenient sentence, attended Ball State University
  • Leroux rejoined Human Head Studios
  • Nesheiwat struggled with addiction
• Wheeler escaped to Czech Republic, remains a fugitive
• Pokora returned to Canada, pursued education and freelance programming

Reflections

• Pokora insists initial motivations were intellectual curiosity
• Acknowledges moral transformation due to obsession with hacking
• Seeks employment after completing computer science degree
• Continues to cherish his 2013 Volkswagen, symbolic importance

Conclusion

• Dramatic journey from exhilarating hacking feats to serious legal repercussions
• Enduring impacts on the lives of those involved