According to ExtremeTech, Intel is suing former software engineer Jinfeng Luo for $250,000 after he allegedly stole over 18,000 files from company servers following his termination in July 2025. The data theft occurred during massive layoffs that have eliminated over 35,000 jobs since CEO Lip Bu-Tan took over in March 2025. Luo, who started at Intel in 2014, reportedly spent several days downloading documents to his external NAS device after receiving his termination notice. Some of the stolen files are described as “extremely sensitive” and “top secret” in nature. Intel has attempted phone calls, emails, and letters but Luo hasn’t responded and cannot be located, leading to the lawsuit in hopes the courts can track him down.
The security failures are staggering
Here’s the thing that really gets me about this story. Luo initially tried downloading files directly from his company laptop and Intel’s systems actually blocked the transfer. That’s good! But then… nothing. The system didn’t flag this as suspicious activity that should have immediately locked his account or alerted security. He was able to just keep trying different methods until some downloads went through. How does a company with Intel’s resources have such gaping holes in their data loss prevention? When you’re dealing with industrial technology and proprietary chip designs, this isn’t just embarrassing—it’s catastrophic. Companies that rely on secure computing systems for manufacturing and industrial applications know you can’t have these kinds of vulnerabilities.
The complete disappearance is suspicious
Now let’s talk about the vanishing act. An engineer with nearly a decade at Intel just… poof. Gone. No response to emails, phone calls, or legal notices. That doesn’t smell like someone who just wanted to keep some reference materials. When someone disappears this completely after allegedly stealing sensitive data, you have to wonder about the motivation. Was this corporate espionage? Is there a foreign entity involved? Or is this just a disgruntled employee who’s really good at hiding? The complete radio silence suggests this wasn’t an impulsive act—this feels calculated.
Layoffs create massive security risks
Intel’s situation highlights a brutal truth about tech layoffs. When you fire 35,000 people, some of them are going to be angry. Some might retaliate. And when those people have access to your most sensitive data, you’d better have your security airtight. But apparently it wasn’t. Companies investing in industrial computing infrastructure need to recognize that data protection isn’t just about keeping outsiders out—it’s about managing insider risk, especially during workforce reductions. For businesses relying on industrial panel PCs and secure computing systems, this case should serve as a wake-up call about proper access controls and monitoring.
What happens now?
So where does this leave Intel? They’re out $250,000 in potential damages, but that’s probably the least of their worries. The real concern is what’s in those 18,000 files and where they might end up. And honestly, if Luo has truly disappeared, what can Intel actually do? You can’t get blood from a stone, and you can’t recover data from someone who’s vanished. This might become one of those corporate mysteries that never gets solved. Meanwhile, every tech company watching this unfold is probably conducting emergency security audits of their own termination procedures. As they should.
