Scenario
5. Tim and his friends spend a lot of time working
on computers and they understand how to get around security features. Tim
decides to see how far he can get into the school’s computer system. Tim
manages to get onto the school’s server and decides to change a few grades for
his friends, “just for the fun of it.” The next day a rumor is circulating that
someone has hacked the school’s server. That after-noon, Tim is called to the
office to talk to the principal.
In this scenario, it is clear that Tim is
using technology inappropriately. However, not only is Tim misusing technology,
but he is also breaking the law. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Tim is breaking into a computer system, with intentions to
alter of modify existing information. This goes against the Computer Crime
Statues set out by the NCSL.
I have found two real-world examples where
individuals have been caught hacking into their schools systems to change their
own grades:
One scenario involves two men who are
facing a $250,000 fine or jail time for “unauthorized
computer access, identity theft, conspiracy, and wire fraud.” These two
individuals altered their University grades to better their overall GPA. For those of you who would like to read more
about this story, visit the article, “Do Grade Changing Hackers Deserve 20Years In Jail?”
The other scenario I found is very similar
to the one above, however, in this scenario, a Mom was caught changing the
grades of her kids’. This Mom faces six felony
charges for doing so. Just like the situation above, if convicted, she will
face a $90,000 fine or jail time. For
those of you who would like to read more about this story, visit the article, “Mom Hacks Into School Computer System, Changes Her Kids’ Grades.”
Obviously, Tim, and ever other student
should avoid tampering with their grades at all times. Once educated on the
consequences associated with doing so, ever student will think twice before
misusing technology.
Let me know what you think! I look forward
to hearing your thoughts!
Cheers,
Chris
Hi Chris!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I just want to say that I fully agree with your stance on all aspects of this scenario. Tim has definitely violated digital laws of conduct that translate into real world consequences. I really loved how you took the time to not only fully explain your reasoning but also to supplement your choice with some real-life examples. It definitely drives the point home and allows for everyone to get a glimpse of how these scenarios relate to instances people encounter in their day-to-day lives!
Look forward to reading more!
Julie
Hey Chris,
ReplyDeleteGreat analysis. Incorporating the National Conference of State Legislatures as well as the real world examples really made your critique interesting. I fully agree with your (and Julie's) position, so no need to elaborate further, but I will ask a question drawn from a similar personal experience.
In grade 12 the assistant coach of our school's hockey team was also the school's guidance counselor/administrator. She was known to have offered to fabricated marks (albeit slightly) of some of my teammates who were seeking a bump in scholarship money from universities. This is not only grade altering, but defrauding universities out of their scholarship funding. Do you guys believe that this is just as bad as the boy in your scenario? worse because it is done by a school administrator? or not as bad because she had some authority in the matter?
Hi Chris,
ReplyDeleteIt seems that these days people have no ambition to do well and want to take the easy way out, unfortunately for them they will always get caught eventually, is it really worth the risk? Tim defenetly did break the law and should pay for this crime, it doesnt matter regardless whether the person did it has authority or not its the same crime. Rather stand alone correct in any situation then wrong with a group of people.
Thanks.
Faris