TJX Breach Hacker Faces 17- 25-Years; He Was a Secret Service Informant??

The mastermind behind some of the most notorious data breaches in history (Heartland Payment Systems, TJX and others) faces sentencing this week. The word is that prosecutors are aiming to give Albert Gonzalez the maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. We imagine justice will be rightly served.

In a bizarre twist, Gonzales was purportedly on the U.S. Secret Service pay roll — making $75,000 per year — as an informant. Wow. We all know that the Intelligence Community often needs to be “in bed” with shady characters, but this one takes the cake. Our big question was Gonzales on the pay roll when he committed these data breaches? Could this mean that the Secret Service helped fund his criminal activity?

Regarding the Gonzales sentencing, as part of our outlook for 2010, we anticipated longer sentences for identity fraud criminals. Gonzales offense was enormous, hurting many victims and expending countless law enforcement resources. We advocate they throw the book at him.

We welcome any thoughts and feedback.