Yes, it's true, Mike Brown was forced to call a press conference and make an early announcement of the discovery as hackers had accessed data on his website and threatened to release the information. Here are links to two news stories.
Now you might think this is a rumour that got out of hand but Mike Brown himself confirmed it. Scroll to the bottom of this page and read the section beginning "Why the hasty announcement?"
Finding data left on a website hardly constitutes hacking. Though trying to take credit for it is unethical to put it mildly.
If you have sensitive data dont leave it sitting on a website unless you understand how to secure it. The "I dont always lock my door" argument doesnt hold any water online - there is no nice neighbourhood and anyone get to your door. There will always be people who cause problems, so you need to ensure data you dont want on google is protected. Thats just the way it is.
Albert White MSc FRAS
Chairperson, International Dark Sky Association - Irish Section
www.darksky.ie/
  