It looks like my tiny hometown has made it all the way to CNN. 13 Students at Kutztown Area High School have been charged with Computer Trespass, which is a 3rd degree felony in Pennsylvania.
Basically, my former high school decided to participate in the Apple 1 to 1 Learning program, where each student is given a laptop to use in school, and at home. Logically, the laptops are set up in a manner that will limit administrative and internet access to each student, so that questionable content and unwanted programs can not be utilized. Each student also signed a contract agreeing to terms of use of the equipment.
Now, here is where the geniuses in the Kutztown Faculty and Administration follow their typical path to failure. The password to gain administrative rights on each computer was 50trexler, the address of the high school… From what I hear, the password was definitely not ‘top secret’ and does not follow the standards of a strong password. Naturally, the students discovered the password, and used it to its full extent. After being caught downloading music, and viewing ‘questionable content’ 13 of the ~100 students that knew the password are being charged with a 3rd degree felony. People with 3rd degree felonies get denied at universities, lose scholarships, and get turned down at job interviews. Does the school district have any idea that they are ruining these kids lives?!?! The students should be punished, but not faulted for discovering the weakness and stupidity of the Kutztown High School administration.
Support the Kutztown 13 by visiting their site, and buy something from the store.
CNN.com - Harmless hackers or teen criminals? - Aug 9, 2005
CutUsABreak.org
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