Students’ Hack into School Computer Reported to FBI

Three individuals blamed for breaking into Manual High School's computer system are now under investigation by the law enforcement agency. Connie Leonard, a WAVE 3 Investigator, reported that school officials have contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

According to police, two senior students and one ex-student employed at a store selling computer parts changed everything from attendance records to grades. They even set up a site www.ilovekeepers.com with the name derived from Manual Principal Beverly Keepers. The trio posted quizzes and tests along with their answers on the site.

School officials described the students as smart kids engaged in smart things.

Executive Director of Information Technology, Cary Petersen, for Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) said that they are trying to figure out how the hack was performed. WAVE 3 reported this on December 17, 2007.

Petersen explained that a device might have been used on the system that helped the students find the door, and once they got there, they could freely access whatever they wanted.

Petersen also said that experts are still assessing the amount of damage done while also trying to verify the problem as fast as possible.

Maurice Risner, Executive Director of safety at JCPS, told WAVE 3 that the two senior students have been suspended from school for ten days and authorities have recommended moving the students to a different school. WAVE 3 reported this on December 19, 2007. The families of the suspended students are free to make an appeal for the recommendation during the forthcoming hearing.

Authorities of JCPS have contacted the FBI and Louisville Metro Police to check if any federal or local laws might have been violated.

Risner said that students and parents needed to understand that this is a serious offence of theft and deception. People reaching computers and areas with which they have no business could land in trouble, where adults could get prison for such acts.

Until now, the two seniors and the ex-student, who although have been suspended for hacking, are not under any criminal charge. According to school officials, the accused three deserve to go through the process due to them.

Related article: Storm Worm Returns with Follow-Up Attack

» SPAMfighter News - 12/31/2007