Ethical Hacking News
Two former Google engineers and their alleged accomplice are facing federal charges for stealing chip security secrets and misappropriating confidential information from multiple firms, including Google. The allegations highlight the need for greater vigilance in protecting sensitive information and have significant implications for national security and the protection of intellectual property.
Two former Google engineers, Samaneh and Soroor Ghandali, and their alleged accomplice, Mohammadjavad Khosravi, have been charged with stealing sensitive chip and security technology secrets. The alleged scheme involved misappropriating processor security and cryptography technologies from multiple firms, including Google, and transferring data to unauthorized locations. Google had enhanced its safeguards to protect confidential information before bringing in the feds, but the incident highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting sensitive information. The FBI is taking a tough stance on the matter, emphasizing the need to safeguard sensitive information and protect intellectual property. The alleged actions raise questions about the effectiveness of current safeguards and the need for greater transparency and accountability within companies. The case has significant implications for national security and the protection of intellectual property, particularly given the role that foreign actors may have played in stealing sensitive information from American companies.
In a shocking turn of events, two former Google engineers and their alleged accomplice have been charged with stealing sensitive chip and security technology secrets from multiple firms, including the tech giant itself. The allegations, which have sent shockwaves through the tech industry, reveal a calculated betrayal of trust by individuals who were entrusted with protecting some of the most cutting-edge technologies in the world.
According to the Department of Justice, sisters Samaneh and Soroor Ghandali, both former Google employees, along with Mohammadjavad Khosravi, who worked at another unnamed technology company, have been accused of misappropriating confidential information from multiple firms, including Google. The indictment alleges that the trio misappropriated processor security and cryptography technologies, and that some of the data was exfiltrated to unauthorized locations, including Iran.
The alleged scheme is believed to have involved deliberate steps to evade detection and conceal their identities. It is claimed that the defendants transferred hundreds of internal files, including trade secrets, to a third-party communications platform and shared them in channels associated with the group. This level of access and manipulation of sensitive information is deeply troubling, particularly given the role that these individuals played within Google.
Google did not respond to The Register's questions, but told Bloomberg that it caught wind of the alleged activity through its own internal defenses before bringing in the feds. A spokesperson for the company stated that "We have enhanced safeguards to protect our confidential information and immediately alerted law enforcement after discovering this incident." This response highlights the measures that Google has put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The FBI is taking a tough stance on the matter, with Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani stating that "Protecting Silicon Valley innovation and defending the groundbreaking technologies that drive our economy and national security is a top priority for the FBI. We will continue to work with our private sector partners to hold accountable anyone who seeks to unlawfully exploit American ingenuity." This statement underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding sensitive information and protecting intellectual property.
The alleged actions outlined in this indictment reflect a calculated betrayal of trust by individuals accused of stealing trade secrets from the very tech companies that employed them. The method in which confidential data was transferred by the defendants involved deliberate steps to evade detection and conceal their identities. This level of deception is concerning, particularly given the fact that these individuals were once entrusted with protecting some of the most sensitive information within Google.
The investigation into this matter is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold. However, one thing is clear: the alleged actions of Samaneh Ghandali, Soroor Ghandali, and Mohammadjavad Khosravi have sent shockwaves through the tech industry, highlighting the need for greater vigilance in protecting sensitive information.
The indictment has also sparked debate about the role of insiders in the theft of intellectual property. The alleged scheme is a stark reminder that even those within an organization can pose a significant threat to its security. This raises questions about the effectiveness of current safeguards and the need for greater transparency and accountability within companies.
Furthermore, the case highlights the growing concern about foreign interference in the tech industry. The allegations of data exfiltration to unauthorized locations, including Iran, have raised concerns about the potential role of foreign actors in stealing sensitive information from American companies. This has significant implications for national security and the protection of intellectual property.
In conclusion, the alleged theft of chip security secrets by former Google engineers is a serious betrayal of trust that highlights the need for greater vigilance in protecting sensitive information. The investigation into this matter is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold. However, one thing is clear: the alleged actions of Samaneh Ghandali, Soroor Ghandali, and Mohammadjavad Khosravi have sent shockwaves through the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding sensitive information and protecting intellectual property.
Two former Google engineers and their alleged accomplice are facing federal charges for stealing chip security secrets and misappropriating confidential information from multiple firms, including Google. The allegations highlight the need for greater vigilance in protecting sensitive information and have significant implications for national security and the protection of intellectual property.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Ex-Google-Engineers-Accused-of-Stealing-Chip-Security-Secrets-in-High-Stakes-Betrayal-ehn.shtml
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2026/02/20/google_ip_theft_charges/
https://www.theregister.com/2026/02/20/google_ip_theft_charges/
https://apnews.com/article/china-google-justice-department-63156ade1e564d15d92adbef91e9c5da
Published: Fri Feb 20 05:21:43 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
