Intel sues ex-employee for stealing confidential data
What's the story
Intel has filed a lawsuit against its former software engineer, Jinfeng Luo, for allegedly stealing around 18,000 confidential files. The data included information marked "Intel Top Secret." The chipmaker is now seeking $250,000 in damages and the return of all stolen information. Luo worked at Intel from 2014 until his termination in July 2024.
Details
Allegations of data theft
The lawsuit alleges that just days before his departure, Luo transferred a large number of files from his work laptop to a network-attached storage device (NAS). These files reportedly contained sensitive technical information and company assets. Intel's security systems had initially blocked Luo's first attempt at copying data to an external drive, but he managed to bypass these restrictions three days later.
Communication attempts
Attempts to contact Luo
After discovering the breach, Intel tried to reach out to Luo several times over the next few months. The company used phone calls, emails, and postal letters in these attempts but all were unsuccessful. The lawsuit comes amid a massive cost-cutting drive at Intel that has seen some 35,000 job cuts in two years due to declining profits and increased competition.
Past case
Previous similar case
This isn't the first time Intel has dealt with such a case. In a previous incident, another ex-Intel engineer was fined $34,000 and put on probation for stealing confidential materials that were later used during his employment at Microsoft. As of now, Luo's whereabouts remain unknown and he has not responded to the allegations against him.
Legal action
Importance of data security
Intel maintains that the lawsuit is necessary to reclaim its intellectual property and safeguard sensitive data related to its ongoing semiconductor projects. The company is determined to take all necessary legal measures against Luo for his alleged actions. This case highlights the importance of data security in tech companies, especially during major layoffs and restructuring efforts.