US judge relaxes restrictions placed on MalwareTech following FBI arrest

Back in early August, we learned that Marcus Hutchins, otherwise known as MalwareTech online, was arrested by the FBI and charged with various offences. At the time, other cyber security researchers were shocked by the arrest and voiced their support. Hutchins was eventually released on bail under strict conditions but this week, a judge granted Hutchins a bit more freedom, removing the need for GPS monitoring, a curfew and relaxing internet restrictions.

According to the FBI, MalwareTech had written a piece of banking malware and sold it on the dark web. This is something that seemed out of character as previously, he had been credited with stopping the WannaCry attack and was a well known white-hat cyber security expert.

Now this week, a US Magistrate Judge ordered that Hutchins be allowed to live freely without a curfew or any GPS tracking. This will allow Hutchins to move freely within LA and return to work. Hutchins still can’t leave the US and return to the UK.

The case is still in its early stages though. As Ars Technica reports, prosecutors presented “11 discs of discovery” earlier this month, containing samples of malware amongst other evidence. Hutchins, his lawyer and the prosecution will next appear in court on the 13th of November.

KitGuru Says: It could still be a while before we see a conclusion to this case. We will keep an eye out for further updates.

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