Marcus Hutchens, also known as MalwareTech, pleaded guilty on Friday to charges relating to the sale of Kronos and UPAS-Kit malware, marketed and sold online between 2012 and 2015. ZDNet has posted the plea agreement online.
Why it matters: Hutchens trial struck a nerve with many in the cybersecurity community because he had gone on to become a well-regarded and well-liked security researcher. He became internationally famous after discovering the "killswitch" that shut off the devastating WannaCry ransomware attack linked to North Korea just 3 months before his 2017 arrest.
What they're saying: Hutchens confirmed the plea and his culpability on his website.
What's next: Hutchens pleaded guilty to 2 charges, with 6 charges against him being dropped in exchange. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
