Broward Student Accused Of Hacking Into School's Computer System

March 25, 2008

http://www.nbc6.net/headlinesonly/15707154/detail.html



Police questioned a Broward County student on Tuesday after they said he hacked into the school district's computer system.

Authorities said a student at Taravella High School in Coral Springs hacked into the Broward County school district's computer system, gaining access to over 38,000 employees' personal information.

Names, addresses, phone numbers and Social Security numbers were at the alleged hacker's disposal.

"We're very concerned about the situation," said Broward County Teachers' Union President Pat Santeramo.

Santeramo said his inbox was flooded with e-mails from worried teachers.

"Any hacking of computer, any breach, is a very serious situation," he said. "It's really a shame that the district has not stepped forward and kept their employees abreast of what was going on."

The school district did notify teachers about a week and a half ago. A representative from the district said there is no new information.

According to a police affidavit, 18-year-old Michael Wasa admitted that he hacked into the district's computers from a computer classroom at Atlantic Technical Center, where he was also taking classes.

In his computer, police found the entire Taravella High School database and a folder about making bombs.

No one was home when NBC 6 went to Wasa's house. The school district suspended him for 10 days.

Police conducted forensic analysis of Wasa'a personal computer while the district employees wait for the results.

Coconut Creek police wouldn't discuss the investigation. They only said they're still not sure if Wasa was showing off his computer skills or if he had intended to use the information.

Wasa has not been charged with any crimes.


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