Can my friend get in trouble for this (has to do with networks)

computerpro3

Senior member
Dec 19, 2003
658
0
76
HI,
I have a friend at my school that intended to get a test off the network. All you had to do was open up windows explorer and they are right there. NO passwords or security or anything. The test wasn't there, so he didn't do it. Now he is getting suspended and possibly expelled since a kid reported him. Can he get in trouble for this?

I am thinking not since he didn't get it (if he had it would have been stealing but he didn't).

Anybody know?
 

Spencer278

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 2002
3,637
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You or your "friend" is an idiot. Who the hell manges to get suspended for opening up windows explorer?
 

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
24,514
44
91
Depends on what the use policy is for the network. For example, setting up a server on our University's network results in a termination of your user account (basically, you lose all access to the network from anywhere). There's nothing about the network that prevents you from setting one up, but it's spelled out in the rules and it's enforceable. If network policy forbids browsing the contents of other computers on the network and it's a HS network, then yes, he can get in trouble for unauthorised use of the network.

ZV
 

pulse8

Lifer
May 3, 2000
20,860
1
81
How can he get suspended if he never did anything?

Ask the school to prove it.
 
Jan 31, 2002
40,819
2
0
Originally posted by: Spencer278
You or your "friend" is an idiot. Who the hell manges to get suspended for opening up windows explorer?

Someone hunting for a test and bragging openly about how he could steal it because he's 31337 enough to h@><0r1z3 Windows Explorer?

BTW, a guy at my new job just got fired for having telnet open. Yes, telnet. "It's a hacker tool" according to the IT. Needless to say, I'm looking for better - or rather, "smarter" - employment. :p

- M4H
 

minendo

Elite Member
Aug 31, 2001
35,560
22
81
Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
BTW, a guy at my new job just got fired for having telnet open. Yes, telnet. "It's a hacker tool" according to the IT. Needless to say, I'm looking for better - or rather, "smarter" - employment. :p

- M4H
Morons. Well, unless they caught him doing something he shouldn't have. Hell, I use telnet for email. Guess my company should fire me for hacking.
 

computerpro3

Senior member
Dec 19, 2003
658
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76
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Depends on what the use policy is for the network. For example, setting up a server on our University's network results in a termination of your user account (basically, you lose all access to the network from anywhere). There's nothing about the network that prevents you from setting one up, but it's spelled out in the rules and it's enforceable. If network policy forbids browsing the contents of other computers on the network and it's a HS network, then yes, he can get in trouble for unauthorised use of the network.

ZV

IT says nothing at all about not browsing other computers contents. It specifically lists things like porn, aim, and such as against the rules but nothing about the network. I don't think they anticipated a situation like this. THe reason he is in trouble is because they are saying that it is the same thing as trespassing and that violates the persons rights. I don't think they are on firm footing though....anyone know anything about digital tresspasses?
 

computerpro3

Senior member
Dec 19, 2003
658
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76
Originally posted by: pulse8
How can he get suspended if he never did anything?

Ask the school to prove it.

Thye are saying he violated the teachers rights by looking at the names of his files in his profile without permission, even though he didn't open any. My question is why is it the first thing (yes, the FIRST thing) you see when you click start>explore?
 

Shelly21

Diamond Member
May 28, 2002
4,111
1
0
Originally posted by: computerpro3
HI,
I have a friend at my school that intended to get a test off the network. All you had to do was open up windows explorer and they are right there. NO passwords or security or anything. The test wasn't there, so he didn't do it. Now he is getting suspended and possibly expelled since a kid reported him. Can he get in trouble for this?

I am thinking not since he didn't get it (if he had it would have been stealing but he didn't).

Anybody know?

So if the test is there he would do it then?

That's similar to walking or breaking into a store trying to steal something, but it was there so you left empty handed.

So, how does he know the tests are there? has he done this before? is it a network drive that he's not suppose to see?
 

Spencer278

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 2002
3,637
0
0
Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Originally posted by: Spencer278
You or your "friend" is an idiot. Who the hell manges to get suspended for opening up windows explorer?

Someone hunting for a test and bragging openly about how he could steal it because he's 31337 enough to h@><0r1z3 Windows Explorer?

BTW, a guy at my new job just got fired for having telnet open. Yes, telnet. "It's a hacker tool" according to the IT. Needless to say, I'm looking for better - or rather, "smarter" - employment. :p

- M4H


Yeah, that is why he is an idiot because he went around bragging about try to cheat on a test.

Well I agree that you shouldn't be using telnet; you should use ssh.
 

computerpro3

Senior member
Dec 19, 2003
658
0
76
Originally posted by: Shelly21
Originally posted by: computerpro3
HI,
I have a friend at my school that intended to get a test off the network. All you had to do was open up windows explorer and they are right there. NO passwords or security or anything. The test wasn't there, so he didn't do it. Now he is getting suspended and possibly expelled since a kid reported him. Can he get in trouble for this?

I am thinking not since he didn't get it (if he had it would have been stealing but he didn't).

Anybody know?

So if the test is there he would do it then?

That's similar to walking or breaking into a store trying to steal something, but it was there so you left empty handed.

So, how does he know the tests are there? has he done this before? is it a network drive that he's not suppose to see?


1. Yes, he would have done it.
2. A kid who is also in trouble told him the information
3. No he has never even gotten in minor trouble before.
4. Nope, its just all the profiles.

HE didn't break in at all. Just opened windows explorer. Crazy stuff.
 

PingSpike

Lifer
Feb 25, 2004
21,758
603
126
Originally posted by: pulse8
How can he get suspended if he never did anything?

Ask the school to prove it.

You are clearly unfamiliar with how a public school hands out punishments. There's no trial or anything, they just do whatever they want.
 

scorpmatt

Diamond Member
Feb 8, 2001
7,040
97
91
Originally posted by: computerpro3
Originally posted by: Shelly21
Originally posted by: computerpro3
HI,
I have a friend at my school that intended to get a test off the network. All you had to do was open up windows explorer and they are right there. NO passwords or security or anything. The test wasn't there, so he didn't do it. Now he is getting suspended and possibly expelled since a kid reported him. Can he get in trouble for this?

I am thinking not since he didn't get it (if he had it would have been stealing but he didn't).

Anybody know?

So if the test is there he would do it then?

That's similar to walking or breaking into a store trying to steal something, but it was there so you left empty handed.

So, how does he know the tests are there? has he done this before? is it a network drive that he's not suppose to see?


1. Yes, he would have done it.
2. A kid who is also in trouble told him the information
3. No he has never even gotten in minor trouble before.
4. Nope, its just all the profiles.

HE didn't break in at all. Just opened windows explorer. Crazy stuff.

honestly, getting into anothers computer with the intent to do a malicous thing, in this case stealing information, it is illegal in federal law if they can prove the intent for theft. since they have hime bragging about it there is there intent proved. I've been studing the laws for awhile here in class. yah for taking a law class
 

computerpro3

Senior member
Dec 19, 2003
658
0
76
wel its a private school, but a huge private school so its kinda like a public school.

Do you think they can expel him? I mean, when you look at it, he didn't break any rules at all except the moral one of having intent to cheat. I don't think they have grounds for expulsion, but I don't know anything about digital tresspass laws and there is NOTHING on google about it. If anyone knows anything about these laws and could explain it a bit that would be great.
 

computerpro3

Senior member
Dec 19, 2003
658
0
76
Originally posted by: scorpmatt
Originally posted by: computerpro3
Originally posted by: Shelly21
Originally posted by: computerpro3
HI,
I have a friend at my school that intended to get a test off the network. All you had to do was open up windows explorer and they are right there. NO passwords or security or anything. The test wasn't there, so he didn't do it. Now he is getting suspended and possibly expelled since a kid reported him. Can he get in trouble for this?

I am thinking not since he didn't get it (if he had it would have been stealing but he didn't).

Anybody know?

So if the test is there he would do it then?

That's similar to walking or breaking into a store trying to steal something, but it was there so you left empty handed.

So, how does he know the tests are there? has he done this before? is it a network drive that he's not suppose to see?


1. Yes, he would have done it.
2. A kid who is also in trouble told him the information
3. No he has never even gotten in minor trouble before.
4. Nope, its just all the profiles.

HE didn't break in at all. Just opened windows explorer. Crazy stuff.

honestly, getting into anothers computer with the intent to do a malicous thing, in this case stealing information, it is illegal in federal law if they can prove the intent for theft. since they have hime bragging about it there is there intent proved. I've been studing the laws for awhile here in class. yah for taking a law class

I don't think he was bragging, not sure how the other kid knew...he told them everything when he got caught though. so i guess they got intent. which isn't good. but still...just opening up windows explorer...it wasn't like he hacked in or circumvented security...
 

Shelly21

Diamond Member
May 28, 2002
4,111
1
0
In Virginia, the "digital tresspass" law is out there. A friend of mine got busted for using another user's account (without her knowing) at the local college.

He got a lawyer to get the "community service" with the court, and he had to deal with the school board, and instead of getting expelled, he asks them to impose a 5 years ban on accessing school networks. He got off easy.
 

skace

Lifer
Jan 23, 2001
14,488
7
81
Lame. If someone shared their folders over explorer without security then they are basically telling the world: FREE STUFF IN HERE. The teacher should get in trouble for sharing out private files. Just like if I shared out my D: drive and people started downloading my mp3s, I'd get in trouble for sharing mp3s, not the person who connected. They arn't a thief if I'M THE ONE SHARING.

The walking into a store to steal something is a bad example. It would be like someone having a FREE sign on the sidewalk with a bunch of items next to it. And you walking up to the items and looking at them but not taking any of them. By sharing a folder on a network you are doing the same thing as putting your possessions on a street corner.
 

computerpro3

Senior member
Dec 19, 2003
658
0
76
hmmm i hope it doesnt come to that...this kids a minor btw....don't know if that matters....is it digital tresspassing to look at someones profile in windows explorer even if you dont open anything?
 

stev0

Diamond Member
Dec 9, 2001
5,132
0
0
Originally posted by: computerpro3
Originally posted by: pulse8
How can he get suspended if he never did anything?

Ask the school to prove it.

Thye are saying he violated the teachers rights by looking at the names of his files in his profile without permission, even though he didn't open any. My question is why is it the first thing (yes, the FIRST thing) you see when you click start>explore?

but can they prove it? i can't get in trouble if some guy tells the cops that i robbed a bank and they don't have proof. if it was my kid i would call the school and say "as far as i'm concerned, my son has done nothing wrong. until you can prove that he did in fact 'violate' the teachers rights, it's going to stay that way."

i would also bring up the subject of how stupid the teachers are for storing tests in network folders that can be viewed by anyone.

question: was your friend logged in under a personalized account? (in my highschool we all had user names and pw's we had to log on with, they were running software that kept a log of our activity.) if that is the case the school may actually be able to prove that. until they can come up with something other than heresay i would tell them to get bent.
 

stev0

Diamond Member
Dec 9, 2001
5,132
0
0
Originally posted by: computerpro3
hmmm i hope it doesnt come to that...this kids a minor btw....don't know if that matters....is it digital tresspassing to look at someones profile in windows explorer even if you dont open anything?

if the school ended up pressing charges i'm sure the family could sue them for some reason or another (emotional distress or something of the sort)... that would teach them real fast :evil:
 

skace

Lifer
Jan 23, 2001
14,488
7
81
Originally posted by: Shelly21
In Virginia, the "digital tresspass" law is out there. A friend of mine got busted for using another user's account (without her knowing) at the local college.

He got a lawyer to get the "community service" with the court, and he had to deal with the school board, and instead of getting expelled, he asks them to impose a 5 years ban on accessing school networks. He got off easy.

How backwards is that law. It is your responsibility to protect YOUR account. If someone else is using your account then they may get in trouble, but you'd get the brute force of the problem for not protecting your account and password. Obviously if someone tricked her into giving out her password then they would hold a reasonable ammount of the blaim, but she would still have to answer for giving out her password. At my work, you don't even walk away from your machines unless you log out or lock them.

Edit: Unless, of course, the account l/p was gained via brute force or keylogging / etc.