Boy admits TalkTalk hacking offences

A 17-year-old boy has admitted hacking offences linked to a data breach at the communications firm TalkTalk, claiming he was "just showing off" to friends.

Norwich Youth Court was told he had used hacking tool software to identify vulnerabilities on target websites.
The data haul netted email addresses, names and phone numbers, as well as 21,000 unique bank account numbers and sort codes.
The boy pleaded guilty to seven charges and will be sentenced next month.

'I have grown up'

The cyber attack on the company in October 2015 prompted fears thousands of people may have had their online details stolen.
The boy told magistrates: "I didn't think of the consequences at the time. I was just showing off to my mates."
"It was a passion, not any more. I won't let it happen again. I have grown up," he added.
His solicitor Chris Brown said he had played a small part in the scam, adding his behaviour had been that of an immature 16-year-old.
The boy will be sentenced for breaches under the Computer Misuse Act on 13 December. Six other people were arrested in connection with the attack.