Intel has filed a lawsuit against a former software engineer accused of stealing tens of thousands of confidential files from the company, including data classified as “Top Secret.” The case, first reported by The Mercury News, centres on Jinfeng Luo, who joined the company in 2014 and was terminated from his position in July last year.
According to the lawsuit, Luo allegedly downloaded about 18,000 files shortly before his departure. He initially tried to copy company data to an external storage device a week before his final day, but Intel’s security systems blocked the attempt. However, he succeeded in transferring the files to a network-attached storage (NAS) device and continued downloading more sensitive material until his last day at work.
Intel discovered the unauthorised transfers soon after they occurred and attempted to contact Luo multiple times through phone, email, and postal mail. After receiving no response for more than three months, the company proceeded with legal action to recover the stolen information.
The lawsuit comes amid Intel’s ongoing cost-cutting measures, which have seen around 35,000 jobs eliminated over the past two years as the company faces mounting financial challenges. Luo’s termination reportedly took place before Intel uncovered evidence of the alleged data theft.
Luo’s current whereabouts are unknown, and he has yet to respond to the allegations. Intel is seeking US$250,000 (~RM1.04 million) in damages, along with the full return of its confidential files.
(Source: The Mercury News, via Tom’s Hardware)
