Back in 1983, the movie War Games showed us two things: the first was the not-so-thinly-veiled point that in a nuclear war, nobody wins. The other was that it was possible, at least in theory, to use your computer along with a newfangled gadget called a modem to dial into your school’s computer and change your grades. That’s just what a few students at a San Dimas high school did recently, though unlike Matthew Broderick, these students got caught.
The suspects allegedly hacked into their school’s computer system and changed the grades of 120 students. It’s unclear how the incident was first reported, though school officials have stated that they are working with the Sheriff’s Cyber Crimes division to survey the extent of the damage and ensure that all of the grades are returned to normal.
Internet fraud, otherwise known as “cyber crime” didn’t exist until pretty recently. Internet fraud and “cyber crime” are blanket terms used by law enforcement to cover a wide variety of crimes that are committed via the use of the internet. The crime that relates to the case above is covered by California Penal Code 502 and is known as California’s Comprehensive Data Access and Fraud Act. PC 502 basically makes it illegal to use a computer to access data or another computer without permission.
Those convicted of violating PC 502 can face sentences that include fines of up to $10,000 and up to 3-years in California State prison. It is unknown at this time what charge(s) the students may face.
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