Is Simon Cowell a closet computer hacker?

The mystery hacker who “leaked” unreleased music singles of X-Factor star Leona Lewis was probably Simon Cowell, a security expert claimed this week.

Amichai Shulman, chief executive of data security specialist Imperva, said the supposed leak was most likely an elaborate publicity stunt.

“The Daily Mail reports that `hackers’ have gained unauthorised access to the servers at Syco Records, and stolen three unreleased songs by the former X Factor winner, and then `leaked’ them online,” Shulman said.

“I have to say that, if this really is the case, then the hacker has handed Ms Lewis, Syco and Mr Cowell a lot of free publicity on a silver platter. Or it could simply be a publicity stunt.”

Shulman said a genuine hacker would have been looking to make money from the hack.

“The first thing I say when I see a data breach is – show me the money. And I don’t see that here,” Shulman said.

“Record company internal networks contain business sensitive information about artist contracts, sales figures, etc. that could be used by attackers to produce revenues.

“I’d expect a real attacker to hit those before going public with a song that is already contracted to the record company.

“And since there is very little actual damage (if any) being caused to the record company, I have to conclude it’s really a publicity stunt.

“It’s a well-planned one however, as it involves minimal effort on the part of those concerned, so it promises to be a goodie,”

The Daily Mail said the leak is expected to cost Syco “millions of pounds”.