An Apple lawsuit alleges a former employee exploited an authentication bug after leaving for OpenAI, highlighting how gaps in offboarding procedures can lead to data leaks.
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Apple sued OpenAI on Friday, claiming a former employee exploited an authentication bug to access the company's network after leaving for the AI startup. TechCrunch reported the allegations Monday, pointing to gaps in offboarding procedures that can expose corporate data.
The lawsuit does not describe the bug itself. Apple told the court it fixed the loophole once discovered and that only the former employee used it. The company said the employee failed to return an Apple-issued laptop, misused the access of an acquaintance still inside Apple, found the bug after leaving, and did not report it as required by his employment agreement.
The case highlights a known security weak point: the period after an employee departs. TechCrunch reported that companies often cut access immediately upon exit. The allegations show gaps can remain – an authentication bug, an unreturned laptop, or a relationship inside the firm – that allow data to leak.
The suit names two former Apple employees now at OpenAI. One allegedly emailed himself supplier information and asked Apple employees to bring parts to OpenAI during job interviews. The other allegedly downloaded confidential files and coached an Apple employee on how to copy them.
An OpenAI spokesperson told CNBC: “We have no interest in other companies’ trade secrets. We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere.”
The lawsuit echoes Apple's legal battles against Android phone makers in the 2010s. PYMNTS reported Monday that one such fight lasted eight years before a settlement. Apple's case against OpenAI now heads to court. A hearing has yet to be scheduled.
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