Tag Archive for: ADT

Former ADT technician admits to hacking into customer’s accounts to watch real-time video feeds in homes

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DALLAS, Texas — A former security technician faces up to five years in prison after admitting to authorities that he repeatedly hacked into home video camera feeds.

Telesforo Aviles, 35, pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to charges of computer fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.

Aviles worked for ADT security and accessed around 200 customer accounts more than 9,600 times, the FBI said.

“Mr. Aviles admits that contrary to company policy, he routinely added his personal email address to customers’ “ADT Pulse” accounts, giving himself real-time access to the video feeds from their homes,” U.S. Attorney spokesperson Erin Dooley said in a statement. “In some instances, he claimed he needed to add himself temporarily in order to “test” the system; in other instances, he added himself without their knowledge.”

The incidents took place over a period of four and a half years.

ADT officials told the Dallas Morning News that the affected customers were alerted to the intrusions and that the company “deeply regrets” the incidents.

“This defendant, entrusted with safeguarding customers’ homes, instead intruded on their most intimate moments,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Prerak Shah in a statement. “We are glad to hold him accountable for this disgusting betrayal of trust.”

“Mr. Aviles took note of which homes had attractive women, then repeatedly logged into these customers’ accounts in order to view their footage for sexual gratification,” authorities said. “Plea papers indicate he watched numerous videos of naked women and couples engaging in sexual activity inside their homes.”

Authorities said the case is a reminder for people to practice ‘cyber hygiene by reviewing authorized users and routinely changing passwords.

If you believe you’ve become a victim of cybercrime, you can contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at 1-800-225-5324.

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Former ADT Technician In North Texas Pleads Guilty To Hacking Home Security Cams, Faces Up To 5 Years In Prison

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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – A home security technician has pleaded guilty to repeatedly hacking into customers’ video feeds, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Prerak Shah.

Telesforo Aviles, a 35-year-old former ADT employee, pleaded guilty to computer fraud on Thursday, Jan. 21, in federal court.

“This defendant, entrusted with safeguarding customers’ homes, instead intruded on their most intimate moments,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Prerak Shah. “We are glad to hold him accountable for this disgusting betrayal of trust.”

“The defendant used his position of employment to illegally breach the privacy of numerous people. The FBI works with our law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate all cyber intrusions and hold criminals accountable for their actions,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno. “Cyber intrusions do not only affect businesses, but also members of the public. We encourage everyone to practice cyber hygiene with all their connected devices by reviewing authorized users and routinely changing passwords. If you become the victim of a cybercrime, please contact the FBI through ic3.gov or 1-800-CALL FBI.”

According to plea papers, Aviles admits that contrary to company policy, he routinely added his personal email address to customers’ “ADT Pulse” accounts, giving himself real-time access to the video feeds from their homes.

In some instances, he claimed he needed to add himself temporarily in order to “test” the system; in other instances, he added himself without their knowledge.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Aviles took note of which homes had attractive women, then repeatedly logged into these customers’ accounts in order to view their footage for sexual gratification, he admits.

Plea papers indicate he watched numerous videos of naked women and couples engaging in sexual activity inside their homes.

Over a four and a half year period, Aviles secretly accessed roughly 200 customer accounts more than 9,600 times without their consent, he admits.

Aviles, who waived indictment and was charged via an information, now faces up to five years in federal prison.

The Federal…

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Lowell-based invisaWear partners with ADT for enhanced security offerings – Lowell Sun

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LOWELL — Lowell-based invisaWear’s panic button jewelry was groundbreaking when it was launched three years ago, allowing wearers to discreetly call for help at the push of a button on a necklace, bracelet, keychain or other accessory.

Now, the business, co-founded by UMass Lowell graduates Rajia Abdelaziz and Ray Hamilton, has entered perhaps the most transformative partnership of its short but successful existence.

As of Wednesday, invisaWear is now partnering with ADT, one of the most well-known national security companies, bringing together ADT’s mobile safety platform and invisaWear’s wearable safety devices. ADT is also powering invisaWear’s companion app, giving users the option to discreetly connect with ADT by voice or SMS chat.

“We are so thrilled and elated to be backed by the number one name in security,” said Abdelaziz, CEO of invisaWear. “ADT is the most trusted name. So for them to be able to say they’ve given our products their stamp of approval and that they’ve quality assured our systems, and are handling all of our emergency calls, is incredible.”

“ADT and invisaWear have partnered to provide customers with a wearable safety device that is both stylish and discreet,” ADT Vice President of Mobile Security & Strategic Projects Leah Page said in a statement. “Customers now have more options than ever to stay safe on the go, backed by America’s most trusted security company.”

Abdelaziz said the partnership was driven by safety-conscious customers who would often reach out with thank-you messages telling the company they use ADT security at home to protect their loved ones, and were happy to have a device that would protect them when they’re out and about, as well.

She said invisaWear reached out to ADT to see if they might be interested in working together, and the “phenomenal” security company felt it was a great fit.

“It’s just such a dream come true,” Abdelaziz said.

Abdelaziz is most excited about the premium service invisaWear has just launched thanks to the partnership, which said “allows our products to protect people on a whole ‘nother level and give them personalized service.”

The service, which is $19.99…

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ADT Mobile Safety Powers Lyft’s New Emergency Help Feature in Nationwide Rollout NYSE:ADT

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BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ADT (NYSE: ADT) and Lyft are helping to protect more people with the national introduction of Emergency Help, a new Lyft safety feature powered by ADT that discreetly connects Lyft riders and drivers to an ADT monitoring professional in the event they feel uncomfortable or need emergency response. The nationwide availability follows a successful multi-city pilot program and is now available to Lyft’s riders and drivers.

Lyft’s Emergency Help feature is supported by ADT’s mobile safety platform, Safe by ADT, and is fully integrated into the Lyft app. It provides riders and drivers with peace of mind and access to 24/7 professional monitoring and emergency assistance. If Lyft users ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, they can discreetly contact ADT at the push of a button. Riders can choose whether they want to receive a text or a call from ADT, or if they’d like ADT to silently alert 911 on their behalf. To help prevent distracted driving, drivers will receive a call from ADT. After contacting the user, or if there is no response, ADT will alert authorities as needed so they can arrive at the user’s live location, equipped with detailed ride information.

“At ADT, we believe everyone has the right to feel safe, and Lyft is using ADT’s mobile safety solutions to create even safer experiences for its riders and drivers,” said Leah Page, Vice President, Mobile Security & Strategic Projects at ADT. “We are honored to provide the trusted protection of ADT in the palm of every Lyft user’s hand for peace of mind while on the go.”

The nationwide expansion of Emergency Help, supported by ADT, reinforces ADT and Lyft’s commitment to safety innovation. The partnership is also the latest example of ADT’s expansion beyond the home to provide safety solutions and peace of mind to more customers wherever they are.

“Our national integration with ADT, America’s most trusted name in security, is the latest feature in Lyft’s around-the-clock efforts to keep our community safe,” said Jennifer Brandenburger, Director of Public Policy for Community Safety at Lyft. “By enabling users to quickly and silently…

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