Student Hacker Sought Class Rankings Data

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 03/10/08

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Chicago newspapers reported on a student who hacked into the computer system of the New Trier Township High School District. The intent, according to investigators, was to obtain grades and ACT scores to determine class rank and share it with other students. The information was made public by the school district in a recent memo to parents.

According to the Chicago Tribune the student obtained student directory information and semester grades for the current and last three graduating classes, as well as ACT test scores for the class of 2008. According to coverage in the Chicago Sun-Times, no data was altered or destroyed, nor did the student copy Social Security numbers, discipline records, or health or attendance data. Nor, according to the memo, does the district believe that the student "has shared or posted the information on any public forum."

According to the district's Web site, it will shortly be hosting a staff, faculty, and parent discussion titled, "Ethical Conduct at New Trier: A Parent Perspective."

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About the author: Dian Schaffhauser is a writer who covers technology and business for a number of publications. Contact her at [email protected].

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