Students hack into school computer system in western New York
Posted On Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at at 4/15/2008 06:37:00 AM by nullWILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (AP) - Authorities say several current and former students broke into a school districtÂ’s computer system in western New York last month and copied secure files that included the personal information of employees.
The computer breach by Williamsville North High School students marks the third incident in the past month. Students in the Grand Island and West Seneca districts have been charged with unauthorized computer use.
Amherst Police Chief John Askey tells the Buffalo News that students overrode the security defenses of a classroom computer at Williamsville North and went trolling for information.
At least three individuals are suspected, and several more knew about it. Those involved have told police they simply were interested in how far they could get into the system.
Askey adds that several of the hackers are considered "very bright kids" and good students with no lengthy disciplinary records. It may take weeks to determine the extent of the breach.
Superintendent Howard Smith sent a letter this week to the districtÂ’s 1,800 employees, asking them to notify police if they uncover any suspicious credit card or banking activity.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.