Julius Kivimäki, the 28-year-old hacker linked to the Vastaamo data breach scandal, has expressed disappointment after the Helsinki Court of Appeals increased his sentence by eight months, leading to a total of 6 years and 11 months in prison. His attorney, Peter Jaari, has indicated that they are likely to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court, citing the data breach as unprecedented in Finnish criminal history. Despite the serious nature of the crimes, Kivimäki has persistently denied his culpability in the hack, seeking to have the charges dismissed.

The case continues to draw attention due to its implications for data privacy and cybersecurity in Finland. As investigations unfold, Kivimäki’s situation remains complex, especially since other individuals are also entangled in the Vastaamo case, including a 28-year-old man from the United States now facing charges of aiding and abetting the serious attempted extortion linked to the hack. The separation of Kivimäki's and the other suspect's legal proceedings hints at a wider network involved in the hacking incidents, raising questions about the extent of the crime and the potential for further indictments.

As Kivimäki moves forward with his plans to appeal the ruling while residing outside Finland, the legal and social ramifications of the Vastaamo case continue to unfold. This high-profile case not only raises awareness about cybersecurity threats but also underlines a gap in Finland's legal framework concerning digital crime and its enforcement, prompting calls for reform to better protect citizens' personal data in an increasingly digital landscape.