Software Developer Convicted for Sabotaging Employer's Network with 'Kill Switch'

Davis Lu faces up to 10 years in prison after deploying malicious code that disrupted global operations and caused significant financial losses for Eaton Corporation.

Davis Lu, a 55-year-old former software developer for Eaton Corporation, was found guilty of intentionally damaging protected computers after planting malicious code in the company's systems.
The sabotage included a 'kill switch' designed to activate upon Lu's termination, locking out users, crashing systems, and deleting coworker profile files.
The malicious code, which Lu began implementing after a 2018 corporate realignment reduced his responsibilities, caused disruptions affecting thousands of users globally.
Eaton Corporation reported hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages, though Lu's defense argued the financial impact was under $5,000.
Lu's conviction followed a six-day trial, and he now faces up to a decade in prison, with sentencing yet to be scheduled.