NZXT gets hacked, sends out damaging emails

July 14, 2010 | 11:41

Tags: #business #kthxbye #lol #pc-chassis #pr #press-release

Companies: #nzxt

"NZXT" recently fired out a 'Goodbye, we're going out of business' email to the guys over at Icrontic, only to then send another backtracking entirely, claiming 'technical difficulties'.

The first email reads as follows:
Dear fans, friends, and followers of NZXT

NZXT was established in Los Angeles, California in 2004. Since then, we have produced many revolutionary and exciting products, from Cases to fan controllers. Unfortunately, the current state of the economy has taken a toll on our business, we are now facing the same financial hardships that many of our competitors have also faced. We would like to thank all who supported us throughout the years, purchased our products, and gave us feedback. We value your opinions and business. Our support contact information will continue to be available in order to provide warranty services, however, once current inventories are depleted, no new products will be produced. In leiu of this annoucement, the next ten people to purchase an NZXT Khaos case will receive a Sentry LXE at no cost.

Thank You,
Johnny Hou


It was then quickly followed by:

Dear NZXT Customers,

We are writing to notify that the NZXT Website is currently experiencing technical difficulties and will soon be accessible. Please disregard the last newsletter sent. NZXT is not going out of business, in fact NZXT is doing exceptionally well. We apologize for any inconveniences. Thank you for your patience!

Best Regards,

Victoria Chiang
NZXT Marketing Manager


"Technical Difficulties" indeed. Reading the first two emails alone, the initial letter appears to be professionally penned out until it gets to the wacky giveaway for 'the next ten people'. Unfortunately the 'nothing to see here, move along' reply from NZXT's Marketing Manager, especially the comment; "in fact NZXT is doing exceptionally well", could read as overly assertive to reaffirm things are OK.

Later yesterday evening we received confirmation from NZXT directly about what really happened:

"Yesterday at 7:30 PM PST the NZXT website was infiltrated illegally. While having access to the site, hackers made several malicious changes including sending out an erroneous newsletter to our database claiming that NZXT is going out of business. They also changed product warranties, deleted product and home page banners, etc.

Well, I’m happy to report that NZXT is NOT going out of business and to the contrary we are more excited than ever to be a part of this tremendous industry. We are poised to launch several highly anticipated products over the next two months including the Phantom full tower case we unveiled at Computex. We feel this will provide enthusiasts with one of the most fresh and unique case designs in quite some time.

I’d like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere gratitude to the community for your ongoing support of NZXT. We design our products based on what you need to build a stellar PC and welcome your feedback as to how we can help your computing experience be as enjoyable as possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions.

Best regards,
Johnny Hou
Product Manager and Co-Founder of NZXT"


So, it was just a successful hacking attempt - but that leads us onto the next obvious question: who was it? The other question for some people will be whether they can sell NZXT some upgraded security equipment, of course.

Let us know your thoughts on this curious case in the forums.
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