Fired Disney Employee Admits to Hacking Menus to Add Swastika, Alter Allergy Info and Change Wine Regions to Locations of Mass Shootings

In a shocking revelation, a former employee of Disney World has confessed to hacking into the park’s computer systems, altering vital menu information, and causing significant damage estimated at $150,000. The individual in question, Michael Scheuer, admitted to these actions in a plea agreement with authorities.

Scheuer’s actions came after he was terminated from his position as a Menu Production Manager at Disney World. According to court documents, his mental health issues were reportedly aggravated following his dismissal, which occurred upon his return from paternity leave. This, according to his legal representation, might have contributed to his subsequent decision to engage in unauthorized computer activities.

The court documents indicate that Scheuer faced charges for intentionally causing damage without permission to a protected computer and an additional count of aggravated identity theft. These charges are rooted in his unauthorized access to Disney’s proprietary system known as the “Menu Creator.”

The criminal case details how Scheuer managed to infiltrate the Menu Creator system, manipulating a variety of menu aspects after his employment was terminated. Utilizing login credentials that were not authorized for his use, he made several unsettling modifications to the system.

Notably, Scheuer altered allergen notifications on various menus, dangerously suggesting some items were safe for individuals with peanut allergies, when in reality, they were not, posing potential life-threatening risks. Additionally, he added a swastika to one of the menus, changed the wine origins on the drinks menu to reference locations known for mass shootings, and even altered the menu font to an unintelligible script known as Wingdings.

Moreover, the changes entailed profanity being embedded within the menus, further exacerbating the potential public health risks and tarnishing Disney’s family-friendly image. The extent of these changes underscored a breach of trust and safety within the food service systems at one of the world’s most beloved family destinations.

As part of the plea deal, Scheuer has agreed to financially compensate Disney for the damages caused by his unauthorized access and activities. Additionally, he surrendered the computer equipment used during the hacking incidents. The agreed-upon restitution aims to cover the financial impact of the damages Disney suffered due to the altered menu information.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting sensitive systems and data, particularly at organizations like Disney, where a breach can have both financial and public safety implications.

While the immediate threat has been neutralized with Scheuer’s confession and subsequent legal actions, this case stands as a cautionary tale for companies worldwide to prioritize the security of their computerized networks and systems.