CEO of Breached Security Contractor HBGary Federal Departs

The chief executive officer of government security contractor HBGary Federal reportedly resigned this week, after hacktivists he had taunted leaked the security contractor's e-mail archives, including messages from personnel at the FBI, Homeland Security Department and other agencies.

Internet activists that operate under the group name "Anonymous" allegedly infiltrated the company's computers when CEO Aaron Barr publicly announced he had discovered the names of the group's leaders.

Barr told news site Threatpost he is stepping down "to focus on taking care of my family and rebuilding my reputation. . . And, given that I've been the focus of much of the bad press, I hope that, by leaving, HBGary and HBGary Federal can get away from some of that. I'm confident they'll be able to weather this storm."

HB Gary, part owner of HBGary Federal, did not respond to repeated calls and e-mails requesting comment.

The pilfered e-mails -- now searchable on the Web -- revealed cyber threats that targeted several agencies, the company's business strategies and the e-mail addresses of staff at customer agencies.

Following the leak, HB Gary cancelled an appearance at last month's annual RSA security conference, issuing a statement that read: "A group of aggressive hackers known as 'Anonymous' illegally broke into computer systems and stole proprietary and confidential information from HBGary, Inc. . . In addition to the data theft, HBGary individuals have received numerous threats of violence including threats at our tradeshow booth. In an effort to protect our employees, customers and the RSA Conference community, HBGary has decided to remove our booth and cancel all talks."