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Ex-Disney Employee Charged With Cyberattacks on Walt Disney World Restaurant Menu System
Former IT worker arrested after allegedly hacking into system and changing menu prices, causing chaos and confusion
Accused of carrying out attacks over several months, leading to financial losses for Disney
ORLANDO, Fla. - A former Walt Disney World employee has been arrested and charged with carrying out a series of cyberattacks on the theme park's restaurant menu system, causing chaos and confusion among guests.
According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, 25-year-old Justin Chan was arrested on Tuesday and charged with unauthorized access to a computer system, criminal mischief, and petit theft.
Investigators allege that Chan, who worked as an IT technician at Disney, used his access to the company's computer systems to hack into the restaurant menu system over several months.
Once inside the system, Chan allegedly changed menu prices, deleted items, and even added his own personal messages to the digital displays.
The attacks caused widespread disruption at several restaurants in the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios theme parks. Guests were left confused and frustrated by the constantly changing prices and missing items.
Disney officials said the attacks also led to financial losses for the company, as guests were overcharged or undercharged for their meals.
Chan was eventually identified as the suspect after Disney's IT security team traced the unauthorized access back to his employee account.
Investigators said Chan admitted to carrying out the attacks during an interview with detectives. He told them he was motivated by a desire to "get back at" Disney for what he perceived as unfair treatment.
Chan is being held at the Orange County Jail on $10,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court for a bond hearing on Wednesday.
Disney officials said they are working to strengthen their cybersecurity measures in the wake of the attacks. They are also urging guests to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Disney security personnel.