Between 2001 and 2002, a British national gained unauthorized access to 97 U.S. military and NASA computers and other government networks, in search of UFO evidence and other conspiracy theories cover-ups. It was one of the largest computer hacks ever. Despite being caught, he was never convicted. This is the bizarre story of Gary McKinnon.
Who is Gary McKinnon?
Gary McKinnon was born in London (UK) in 1966. From a young age, he was drawn to UFOs, free energy theories, and government conspiracies. He often spoke about his belief that the U.S. military and NASA were suppressing evidence of extraterrestrial encounters and advanced technologies that could benefit humanity, such as free energy (unlimited power) and anti-gravity technologies.
McKinnon himself has stated that his hacking activity was motivated by the desire to uncover such hidden knowledge.
The Internet and conspiracy theories
The internet in the late 1990s and early 2000s was a hotbed of conspiracy theories, especially around topics like UFOs, government cover-ups, and “alternative science.” McKinnon was exposed to these ideas through forums, websites, and online communities, which likely reinforced his belief in secret knowledge being withheld by governments and institutions. Some of these theories became more prominent after events like the Roswell Incident and the Phoenix Lights in the U.S., both of which fueled public fascination with UFOs.
While McKinnon was not necessarily a member of any specific “conspiracy theory circles,” his online research and the accessibility of fringe knowledge likely deepened his interest in these topics.
From an IT guy to a hacker
While McKinnon was not a trained hacker in the conventional sense, he had a natural aptitude for IT. He became proficient in exploiting computer systems, particularly after working in various IT jobs. He primarily worked as a systems administrator and network engineer, which gave him a solid grounding in how computer systems, networks, and security protocols work.
His ability to hack into secure systems was largely self-taught, using resources from the Internet. He reportedly spent many hours reading on online forums and hacker websites to learn about hacking methods, tools, and vulnerabilities. This self-education helped him learn about password cracking, exploiting open ports, and remote access tools (RATs).
The search for the truth
McKinnon used relatively simple techniques, such as exploiting weak passwords and unprotected systems, to break into these networks. He used RATs and a variety of methods to probe into these systems.
McKinnon had no intention of causing harm; his stated goal was to uncover the truth about what the U.S. government was hiding. In interviews, he said he never sought to damage the systems but wanted to expose what he believed was the truth. He referred to his actions as more of a “digital treasure hunt” rather than a criminal attack.
The largest computer hack in history
McKinnon’s hacks caused significant damage. U.S. officials estimated the financial loss at around $700,000 due to system disruption and the cost of investigating and repairing the breaches. McKinnon also deleted files and caused systems to crash, which, in some cases, temporarily crippled military operations.
Some of his most notable hacks targeted NASA, where McKinnon allegedly accessed internal documents, emails, and files related to the space agency’s operations. He also broke into the Pentagon’s computer networks, where he supposedly uncovered files about secret military operations.
Getting caught and getting away with it
McKinnon’s activities were detected in 2002, and he was identified by U.S. authorities after the intrusion. He was arrested in the U.K. in 2005. The United States requested McKinnon’s extradition to face charges of hacking and damage to military systems. He faced potential jail time of up to 60 years if convicted in the U.S.
So, how did he get away with it?
McKinnon has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism, and has been described as having an intense obsession with UFOs and conspiracy theories. His mental health and the risk of severe depression were central to his defence. McKinnon’s lawyers argued that extradition would violate his human rights, particularly due to his mental health issues. They also raised concerns about the harsh U.S. legal system and the impact a trial would have on his well-being.
In 2012, after years of legal battles, U.K. Home Secretary Theresa May ruled that McKinnon should not be extradited, citing his health and the potential for suicide. This decision came after widespread public support for McKinnon, particularly from human rights groups and prominent public figures. Despite the U.S. wanting to pursue charges, McKinnon was never charged with any offenses in the U.K.
McKinnon's legacy
Many people see McKinnon as a hero who uncovered hidden truths about government secrets, while others view him as a dangerous criminal who damaged national security. His case raised important questions about cybersecurity, extradition laws, and the treatment of people with mental health issues in the legal system.
In 2023, BBC produced a movie titled “The People v. Gary McKinnon” about Gary McKinnon’s story. As of recent updates, he has largely stayed out of the public eye, but he has continued to advocate for issues related to mental health and the justice system.
McKinnon has described the toll the years of legal battles took on his personal life. In interviews, he has mentioned that the stress, including the possibility of extradition to the U.S., affected his physical and mental well-being, especially after his diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome. After his legal struggles ended, he focused more on rebuilding his life and moving forward.