The Romanian Hacker Who Breached NASA: The Story of TinKode
Who Is TinKode?
Răzvan Manole Cernăianu, better known by his hacker alias TinKode, is a Romanian computer security consultant and hacker born on February 7, 1992, in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Romania139. He became internationally notorious for hacking into high-profile organizations, including NASA, the Pentagon, the European Space Agency, and the UK’s Royal Navy1235.
Major Hacks and Methods
TinKode specialized in exploiting SQL injection vulnerabilities but also used other, less-publicized techniques in his later attacks1. His approach was often characterized as “grey hat”: he would notify organizations of the vulnerabilities he found, giving them time to fix the issues before publicly disclosing his exploits19.
NASA Breach
In May 2011, TinKode claimed to have breached a server at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, gaining access to confidential satellite data5.
He posted screenshots as proof, showing files linked to NASA’s SERVIR program, which supports disaster relief and climate research5.
NASA officials confirmed the breach and stated that steps were taken to secure the affected systems54.
TinKode announced the hack on Twitter and his blog, drawing international attention5.
Other High-Profile Targets
The Royal Navy’s website (temporarily taken offline after his breach)1.
European Space Agency (ESA) servers, including access to private FTPs19.
US Army, Pentagon, Sun Microsystems, MySQL, Kaspersky Portugal, YouTube, Google, and more139.
Arrest and Legal Consequences
On January 31, 2012, TinKode was arrested by Romanian authorities (DIICOT) for hacking into NASA and Pentagon servers, as well as other US government systems13.
He was charged with temporarily blocking information systems and copying confidential data3.
After several months in detention, he received a two-year suspended sentence in Romania in 20122.
His arrest sparked a petition for leniency, emphasizing that his actions were driven by curiosity rather than malicious intent1.
Aftermath and Legacy
TinKode later became the co-founder and COO of CyberSmartDefence.com, working as a security consultant12.
He received recognition from Google for responsibly disclosing security vulnerabilities1.
His case highlights both the vulnerabilities of even the most secure organizations and the blurred lines between ethical and illegal hacking29.
Romania’s Reputation in Cybersecurity
Romania, particularly the city of Râmnicu Vâlcea (nicknamed “Hackerville”), has produced several notorious hackers, including TinKode and Victor Faur, who also breached NASA and other US agencies267. The country is now home to many cybersecurity experts and companies, some employing former hackers to strengthen digital defenses2.
Media Resources
Sample Images for Illustration
(Note: Images are suggested for illustrative purposes; actual images should be sourced from reputable media outlets or public domain resources.)
Screenshot of TinKode’s NASA FTP hack (as posted on his blog)5.
Photo of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
Mugshot or news photo of Răzvan Cernăianu (TinKode), if available from public news sources.
For a detailed timeline and technical breakdown, see TinKode’s own blog and public statements9.
For broader context on Romanian hackers and cybersecurity, see ABC News’ feature on “Hackerville”2.
“My hacking skills are the result of extreme curiosity and ambition. The targets are well-known websites and powerful brands with widespread influence, either for the online community or a particular marketplace.” — TinKode (Răzvan Cernăianu)19
Name
Alias
Notoriety
Sentence
Notable Targets
Răzvan Cernăianu
TinKode
NASA, Pentagon, ESA, Royal Navy
2-year suspended
NASA, Pentagon, ESA, Royal Navy
Victor Faur
Sirvic
NASA, US Navy, Dept. of Energy
16 months suspended, $238,000 fine
NASA, US Navy, US Dept. of Energy
This article is based on public records, news reports, and statements from the hacker himself. For images and further media, consult major news outlets, NASA’s press releases, and TinKode’s blog.
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