Accused of hacking??

[Dark Aspect]

This is kind of a rant but I need to know what to do.

I have been accused at my local college of hacking into private information that I have not done by someone that hates me. The college has decided not to press charges (at this point) but I am at a loss of what to do. I can’t go to class without having horrible things said about me; people who were suppose to be my friends have called me an idiot and told me that I should kill myself. I feel horrible; my relationship with my friends and family are all being strained and I don't know what to do.

Should I get a lawyer? Should I drop out and go to another school? Opinions, please?

[jrusso2]

Contact a lawyer.

[Shpongle]

dont drop out! , a lot of people in college can be shallow and will side with the majority of people , is there any way you can prove it was not you ?. in my college all the computer labs have cameras maybe yours might ? . have they any proof ?

[Dark Aspect]

dont drop out! , a lot of people in college can be shallow and will side with the majority of people , is there any way you can prove it was not you ?. in my college all the computer labs have cameras maybe yours might ? . have they any proof ?

Ok, so here is what has happened. I was accused that my netbook has this file (That doesn't exist) with a list of student logins. Cameras might help but since it is said that I have done the deed with my computer, I don't know how much help that is.

A private college "court date" if you will is set next week.

EDIT: I have offered all of my computer equipment since I have nothing to hide and I was told today that more investigation will be needed first. So far the only evidence is eight students and one professor that claimed I had information displayed on my computer in class. The only thing that I can think of is commandline causing non-experienced user to become confused.

[CharlesA]

Contact a lawyer.

This.

[dabby_yo]

This is kind of a rant but I need to know what to do.

I have been accused at my local college of hacking into private information that I have not done by someone that hates me. The college has decided not to press charges (at this point) but I am at a loss of what to do. I can’t go to class without having horrible things said about me; people who were suppose to be my friends have called me an idiot and told me that I should kill myself. I feel horrible; my relationship with my friends and family are all being strained and I don't know what to do.

Should I get a lawyer? Should I drop out and go to another school? Opinions, please?

Unless they can expressly prove that it was you, I wouldn't worry too much.

Out of curiosity, why do they think it's you? How have they linked you with the incident?

[dragos240]

This is kind of a rant but I need to know what to do.

I have been accused at my local college of hacking into private information that I have not done by someone that hates me. The college has decided not to press charges (at this point) but I am at a loss of what to do. I can’t go to class without having horrible things said about me; people who were suppose to be my friends have called me an idiot and told me that I should kill myself. I feel horrible; my relationship with my friends and family are all being strained and I don't know what to do.

Should I get a lawyer? Should I drop out and go to another school? Opinions, please?

They obviously aren't your friends. REAL friends would stick up for you.

[Shpongle]

well they say that the info stays on your hdd even if its deleted so if you had this file they should still be able to trace it (they probably dont know that you can shread them), they are gonna need more than accusations to make any legal decisions . fight them on this !!!!!!!

Seriously dont let them tarnish your name ,

and if you did have this file you would have to get it from some where , assuming its the colleges database so there would have to be some sort of query performed on the database and most databases have triggers on them when information is updated , deleted etc maybe queried , it stores this info in logs

so there would have to be some place where the record was "accessed" some trail!

[Dark Aspect]

Unless they can expressly prove that it was you, I wouldn't worry too much.

Out of curiosity, why do they think it's you? How have they linked you with the incident?

Several people claim that my computer has displayed confidential information in class. I think this came from me showing pipl to a few students, to be honest I don't know what they have all seen that have them so freaked out. I am thinking it maybe non-experienced seeing Linux and freaking out but at this point I just don't know.

[Shpongle]

say you ran something like
users

or something and maybe it could have been that


is your course computer related ?

[exploder]

Dark Aspect, people that really know you should know that you did not hack into anything. People also like to spread rumors and they tend to grow and grow the more the story is passed along.

Do not drop out because of this, soon someone else will be the target of whatever rumor goes around and this hacking business will be old and forgotten.

[dabby_yo]

Several people claim that my computer has displayed confidential information in class. I think this came from me showing pipl to a few students, to be honest I don't know what they have all seen that have them so freaked out. I am thinking it maybe non-experienced seeing Linux and freaking out but at this point I just don't know.

Try to solve it amicably. If they continue to accuse you whilst providing no proof, you would be well within your rights to land them with a slander suit.

[Dark Aspect]

say you ran something like
users

or something and maybe it could have been that

Maybe? every biology class I have ran:


sudo pacman -Syu

In the terminal since the instructor is always late, could that be it? I showed that at the hearing today along with a shortcut I have made for my email.


is your course computer related ?

The one that is accusing me of hacking is not, it is an Intro to Biology class.

[Wiebelhaus]

Sounds like a classic case of bullying , I'm sorry this is happening to you. I can't really give you advice because I don't know you and my advice may get into legal trouble but sometimes the only solution is to fight. And most of the time when you display vulgar power you gain respect as a man , a man that won't that crap from anyone , it's barbaric but after all we are barbaric mammals.

[Frogs Hair]

Hi,
There is software that can prove without a doubt weather such information was ever on your computer
If your accusers want to know the truth. Don't quit, and people who tell you to kill yourself have something
wrong with them and thats putting it mildly !!

[Shpongle]

Yea i figured they probably just think the terminal is something like the matrix or something typical non computer people :rolleyes:, so far they have no proof and will not obtain any since they can show no trail , and no ones account has been tampered with etc . they have nothing but accusations fight them but passively as you were saying you have nothing to hide.

il give you an example a year or two ago i was out at a club and was waiting to use the bathrooms in the mens toilets , the security guard walked in and was waiting around . someone in a cubicle was sniffing and we both heard it , i continued waiting and then went into the first cubicle that became available, i was in and out really quickly and when i came out the security guard stopped me and the guy who was in the cubicle before me and took out both out the back of the club and started to question us and accuse us of having coke , they were gonna call the police and i said go ahead call them i have nothing to hide , i even emptied my pockets . long story short they had no proof and were falsely accusing me as they are you ,turns out the actual people sniffing left after the security walked us out, suspicions mean nothing without proof if it gets legal and they call a computer specialist in he will prove that you were not doing anything

[Dark Aspect]

Hi,
There is software that can prove without a doubt weather such information was ever on your computer
If your accusers want to know the truth. Don't quit, and people who tell you to kill yourself have something
wrong with them and thats putting it mildly !!

Would it be too much trouble to ask if anyone knows what kind of software I can use to prove my innocence for an ext4 filesystem (160 GB SATA HD)?

[chillicampari]

Contact a lawyer.


This.

This sounds like good advice.

[Chronon]

Try to solve it amicably. If they continue to accuse you whilst providing no proof, you would be well within your rights to land them with a slander suit.

I agree.

[LookTJ]

Would it be too much trouble to ask if anyone knows what kind of software I can use to prove my innocence for an ext4 filesystem (160 GB SATA HD)?
I don't know, but testdisk can recover deleted files in sectors not overwritten.

[Warpnow]

Don't participate in their little game. If they ask you questions, answer them politely. If the questions are personal or invasive, tell them so, and don't answer. Do not volunteer information, and do not try to be helpful. Information is power, and when you give it to them you only give them new ways to find ways to accuse you.

They accuse you of A, and you defend yourself, and next time, when they accuse you, they know more have a more intricate attack. Eventually you start to look guilty.

Say what you have to say to defend against their arguments. Volunteering information is a bad idea during a witch hunt.

[Crunchy the Headcrab]

Just log in using one of those stolen passwords you have and make someone else look guilty MWAHAHA...oh wait. You don't have stolen logins...


JK, mate. I'm sure you'll come out alright in the end if you just keep a cool head.

[Phrea]

I should stay clear of the interweb today, I don't believe anything I read.

Sorry if it's true man, but I'm not buying anything today.

[ubunterooster]

Unless they can expressly prove that it was you, I wouldn't worry too much.
It SHOULD go like that, but the entire court system is corrupt.

I've been told I look like a hacker because: I rarely use the mouse, my Xubuntu system needs no panels, My gnome looked exactly like Vista™ and [the big one], I use the terminal.

The real problem will likely be explaining WHY you use the terminal to those who likely know nothing but GUI.

Personal advice, get some friends. Those old ones do not count if they continue such nonsense.

[ubunterooster]

I should stay clear of the interweb today, I don't believe anything I read.

Sorry if it's true man, but I'm not buying anything today.

Which begs the question of whether this is a really sick joke played by your friends.


Please remember:

Now is NOT the time to convert others to Linux. If needed, tear it down by its faults brutally.

[Crunchy the Headcrab]

Oh my goodness! This reminds me of something that happened to me in Middle School.

Okay. So...My mom gave me some lunch money that she'd got as change at a gas station earlier that day. Well it turns out that it was counterfeit money and we didn't know it. It had been beat to heck and looked pretty used, but we (and the gas station) thought it was legit.

So I take it to school and spend it on lunch. Later I'm called to the school office where a police officer asks me how I got it and if I had a nice printer at home. Basically a bunch of questions to see if I was capable of making a counterfeit. Obviously they couldn't prove I did it because I was innocent. So the just were like, "whatever you seem like a good kid."

So April 1st rolls around and I'm totally oblivious to it. Well my shop teacher totally by coincidence thinks it would be funny to have someone approach me and accuse me of counterfeiting money. I think he had a cop do it, but I don't remember. It might have just been an administrator or something. So I'm freaking out because I think I'm going to get in trouble for this thing that I never did!

Worst April Fool's Day ever!

[Dayofswords]

This is kind of a rant but I need to know what to do.

I have been accused at my local college of hacking into private information that I have not done by someone that hates me. The college has decided not to press charges (at this point) but I am at a loss of what to do. I can’t go to class without having horrible things said about me; people who were suppose to be my friends have called me an idiot and told me that I should kill myself. I feel horrible; my relationship with my friends and family are all being strained and I don't know what to do.

Should I get a lawyer? Should I drop out and go to another school? Opinions, please?
lawyer first! all college student have the right to a lawyer to defend them in cheating and legal matters

from my handbook
Hearing Rules
1. The student and the college have the right to be represented by counsel. The cost of counsel is to be borne by the respective parties.
2. The student and the college and/or their counsel shall have the right to examine and cross examine all witnesses who testify before the committee.
3. A record of the proceedings before the committee shall be kept.
4. Written statements may be used in evidence, provided they are signed and disclosed to the other party in sufficient time for such party to question the witness prior to hearing. If the other party interrogates the witness, the witness’ statement shall be reduced to writing, signed and provided to the opposing party. The original statement and the reply shall be submitted together as evidence. If the witness was not questioned, only the original statement shall be submitted as evidence.

do warn your lawyer that you may come off as a hacker simply cuz you use a computer more than others

study up on the handbook


I use the terminal.
ekkkk! nooooo!!!


Now is NOT the time to convert others to Linux. If needed, tear it down by its faults brutally.
as much as i'd hate to do it, i would recommend it IF only needed

topics(dont take this wrong way):

anyone can edit the source(dont go into details)
free(some people think free=crud)
not backed by a company(the kernel)
support is terrible




so far the only evidence is eight students and one professor that claimed I had information displayed on my computer in class.
This is just terrible evidence, lack of details of what information, doesnt explain hoiw you could have gotten it

my opinion(not expressly those of any forum member):
if you win, you could contact the local media how because you were technically minded that you were accused of "hacking in" to the school illegally
mass media way of clearing you name

lastly: do not mention this forum as a place you got help or any mention

[juancarlospaco]

net rpc shutdown -f -t 666 (ip-goes-here)

:)

[ubunterooster]

@DayofSwords: +1
@Juan: please don't just give commands; also give discriptions of the command

[brinamaree]

My advice would be lawyer.
Do not look for this program that can see what files you have had or anything that the school does not yet know about.
If you bring this program to them and say they can check your computer, then 1. you found this awesome program they can use. and 2. if you were smart enough to find that, then you may be smart enough to delete any evidence there ever was. I mean how else would you know such a file existed? o.O
And dont drop out of school trust me worst mistake you could ever do. I did that and since i was past a certain date every class was a fail and dropped my gpa from a 3.0 to a 1.63. Now i have no money for classes to raise the gpa and financial aid wont kick in till i get myself above a 2.0
So yea... just do things like normal. If you use terminal do it. Dont change things that may make you seem suspicious in any way.

[MaxIBoy]

Get in contact with a lawyer, and stay strong.

You can also contact the Electronic Frontier foundation:
http://www.eff.org/about/contact
A quote from that page:


Can EFF represent me?
Maybe. EFF is a small, grassroots legal advocacy nonprofit supported by member contributions. We provide pro bono (free) legal assistance in cases where we believe we can help shape the law. Unfortunately, we have a relatively small number of very hardworking attorneys, so we do not have the resources to defend everyone who asks, no matter how deserving. If we cannot assist you, we will make every effort to put you in touch with attorneys who can. If you're in trouble, you can contact us at information@eff.org.So perhaps they can point you toward a lawyer in your area, who has experience with this specific type of case. In my opinion it's worth a shot.

[aklo]

I don't believe anything either but if it is true...get a lawyer to counter sue them for money for the cause of stress, depression that you are suffering from :D. Maybe cut yourself a couple of times to make it look real.

Some fun suggestions, sue them for:

Stress
Depression
Invasion of privacy (checking your comp)
Your suicidal thoughts
Anxiety
Insert everything you can come out with.

I'll ask for 1 million in damages that you may be afraid of schooling this unable to find a job. Always ask for more so even if they give you 1/4 of a million, you still have enough.

[mcoleman44]

i don't believe anything either but if it is true...get a lawyer to counter sue them for money for the cause of stress, depression that you are suffering from :d. Maybe cut yourself a couple of times to make it look real.

Some fun suggestions, sue them for:

Stress
depression
invasion of privacy (checking your comp)
your suicidal thoughts
anxiety
insert everything you can come out with.

I'll ask for 1 million in damages that you may be afraid of schooling this unable to find a job. Always ask for more so even if they give you 1/4 of a million, you still have enough.


+1

[MaxIBoy]

I don't believe anything either but if it is true...get a lawyer to counter sue them for money for the cause of stress, depression that you are suffering from :D. Maybe cut yourself a couple of times to make it look real.
Not cool. For all you know it is real.

I am not a lawyer, but I think that if they actually press charges and then loose, then there is potential for a counter-suit, but not until then.

[Chronon]

Not cool. For all you know it is real.

I am not a lawyer, but I think that if they actually press charges and then loose, then there is potential for a counter-suit, but not until then.

I don't think it's necessary to wait. If you know they don't have evidence then you should be able to file a lawsuit for slander at any time. Otherwise, I could just sit back and slander people all day long and then not press charges. This would be character assassination and it's what anti-defamation laws are intended to prevent.

[themarker0]

Happened to me once. Tell the truth. Stand by what you said. Only one person still thinks i did it.

[undecim]

I had information displayed on my computer in class.

Information? That's illegal in the US.

Political jokes aside, if your friends are treating you bad because of a rumor, then those people aren't your friends. Anyone who would make judgments about a person because of a rumor isn't a person you want to be around.

If someone asks you about (with a serious question, not just to get on your nerves) just tell them that someone who hates you is lying about it and that what they are claiming is impossible.

When people heckle you about is to just ignore them. Keep a straight face and stay interested in something else. They will keep at it, threaten to start more rumors, and say things like "you're not denying it, so it must be true". Just don't respond

If they keep at it for more than one day. Give them one warning before charging them with harassment. (usually, the warning makes them stop, but if they don't, make sure you go through with the charges)

And pretty much, just don't let it bother you. If you do, then the person who falsely accused you has won.

Once the investigation is over and your name has been (technically) cleared, most people will start to warm up to you.

TL;DR

Just go on with your life like normal.

[NightwishFan]

If you are innocent please do not let them get you down! Do not sink to their level. It is hard not to be affected by this I know, but it best in the end to hold your head high. They cannot convict you without proof, and in the face of personal slander, you can really show your quality.

Contact a lawyer as was advised, and you can ask them what to do for the legal issues. Do not give up, it is not worth it. You have life ahead of you.

[m4tic]

April Fools?

[V for Vincent]

You don't have to prove yourself innocent. They have to prove you guilty. You can tell 'em that, and throw in an "if you can't back it up, it's slander", for good measure.

[Nisal]

I Guess contacting a lawer and getting some legal action will be the best

[ja660k]

go the opposite, roll with it. "Yeah i did it, i left no trace, Im 1337" maybe the government will employ you in the cyber security doing defence signals?
(that would be sweet, payed to hack).. ANYWAY


joke, dont do that.
I'll assume you didnt do it,
computer scientists can prove that you didnt do it, a 2nd year cs student can probably prove it too.
like the previous posts, there will be a trail, on your computer, on the colleges servers.
The only problem is the sociological ramifications of the rumour being spread. Take a semester off, work on your own project or whatever and go back fresh and start a new.

Also, people in intro to biology wont know what hacking looks like.
Get a professional reference, from a cs lecturer or sys admin.

[dragonboss]

Well good luck with getting rid of this mess, but when it all blows over, just for when you're using terminal in the midst if the non-enlightened change the terminal to black text on white to make it look like notepad or something

[Swagman]

Tell them your Uncle Chuck wants a word with them !!

:o:o

[ubunterooster]

I've done what Dragonboss said months ago for that same reason.

[etnlIcarus]

Lawyer and start keeping a record of everything you hear, both in terms of things pertinent to clearing your name (what these people say they saw) and in terms of harassment. These things could give you some important leverage, if people suddenly start making dramatic new claims, or you wish to press the school, over their policies/handling of the allegations, resulting in your being socially ostracised and traumatised.

If you go ahead with this 'school court' thing, try to get the assistance of people from your school's IT department. They're in a position to authoritatively verify your statements and correct anyone else's IT illiterate comments. They can also confirm if there's any evidence of the school's IT infrastructure being compromised. Also enquire with your school's computer/linux clubs, to see if they can offer any assistance.

Would also be a good idea to have a PC on-hand, so once people have made their allegations, or had them restated, you can reproduce the things you think might have mislead them. Going to pepl.com in a vanilla Firefox/IE browser in front of everyone and explaining clearly that what people are seeing, is publicly available information, aggregated 'like Google', and draws no known information from the school, ought to cast enough doubt on the allegations.

If the issue of linux comes up, give the lamest explanation you can think of. Might also be worth printing off the "About", pages for mainstream distributions and making a few copies. All Ubuntu's jive about 'ubuntu means community', etc, won't make you popular but it will give you a sufficiently puritanical image, that accusations of '1337 anarchistic hacker cheater' will start to look silly. Also downplay your skill: focus on linux, rather than Arch and perhaps give a few examples, in plain language, of problems you've had with your own system.

[iRiUX]

This whole thing sounds silly to me really. How old are you and where is your father in all of this? Why are you trying to prove you haven't done something while they are the ones that have to prove that you HAVE done something.

[Grenage]

Is America really that bad, do you really need lawyers for such trivial things?

Over here; someone might get asked a few questions, but people can't search a computer without permission from the owner or the police (warrant).

I'd tell them to £%$^ off, and stop bothering you. I find the story hard to believe.

[AllRadioisDead]

Is America really that bad, do you really need lawyers for such trivial things?

Over here; someone might get asked a few questions, but people can't search a computer without permission from the owner or the police (warrant).

I'd tell them to £%$^ off, and stop bothering you. I find the story hard to believe.
I agree, I think suing them is going a little too far.

[k33bz]

This is what I would do, and I my be wrong, get legal advice.

First off I hire a lawyer, start filing charges for slander and false accusations. Second, I'd contact the media, and I would do that now, not wait till after the ordeal is over, but while it is still going on. Consider it to be a positive PR campaign in your name.

[etnlIcarus]

This is also the land of class teachers facing jail-time, due to poorly maintained school PCs being infected and popping up with porn, during a class. Or students being spied on by the school, via school-provided laptops/webcams.


Is America really that bad, do you really need lawyers for such trivial things?I know the UK doesn't have the strongest litigious culture so it may all seem a tad foreign to you. As an Australian, I can sympathise with someone in the US seeking legal council, if not to sue, merely to know where they stands legally; what the school has the right to do; what they, themselves should/shouldn't do; and to give the defendant a bit of psychological backup, as he appears to be facing off against both a large body of students and faculty, with an unknown level of family support.

[etnlIcarus]

Sounds like a classic case of bullying , I'm sorry this is happening to you. I can't really give you advice because I don't know you and my advice may get into legal trouble but sometimes the only solution is to fight. And most of the time when you display vulgar power you gain respect as a man , a man that won't that crap from anyone , it's barbaric but after all we are barbaric mammals.

Ironically, posts like the one quoted make me want to, "display vulgar power", against the quoted poster.

"we are barbaric mammals", is not a justification for barbarism. These forums really need a 'no testosterone-fuelled advice', rule. It'd go well, alongside this forum's rules about everything else.

[ubunterooster]

Suing them [the accusers] is not going to far. Yes we are barbaric, nice guys finish last. But be barbaric in a civilized manner as much as possible.

[Dayofswords]

Ironically, posts like the one quoted make me want to, "display vulgar power", against the quoted poster.

"we are barbaric mammals", is not a justification for barbarism. These forums really need a 'no testosterone-fuelled advice', rule. It'd go well, alongside this forum's rules about everything else.
i wouldn't mind such a rule =)

[Doctor Mike]

i wouldn't mind such a rule =)Something tells me we've hit many large storage devices already...

[lisati]

I think someone has already suggested getting the support of someone friendly in the IT department if you can, because there should be some kind of trail which will help prove your innocence and also help clear you of anything you might have done unintentionally.

[Doctor Mike]

I think someone has already suggested getting the support of someone friendly in the IT department if you can, because there should be some kind of trail which will help prove your innocence and also help clear you of anything you might have done unintentionally.Have you wondered how the time line of the post shifts? From one week to to today? Universities don't ajudicate criminal matters. BS is suspected from my point of view.

[days_of_ruin]

Suing them [the accusers] is not going to far. Yes we are barbaric, nice guys finish last. But be barbaric in a civilized manner as much as possible.
wat?

[eriktheblu]

Here's my thinking:

Stimulus: Random guy from school accuses me of hacking into private information.
Reaction: Look at random guy like he's an idiot.

Stimulus: Friends say nasty things to me.
Reaction: Look at 'friend' like he's an idiot, sever ties with 'friend'.

Stimulus: 'Friend' tells me to kill myself.
Reaction: Alert local law enforcement that I have been threatened, obtain a protection order, adjust my personal security posture.

Seriously, stay away from these guys, they are dangerous.

Stimulus: College 'court' asks if I'm hacking.
Reaction: Look at court like they're idiots, ask what indication they have that I am.

Stimulus: College 'court' produces 'witnesses'.
Reaction: Look at court like they're idiots, demand the 'witnesses' provide credentials (such as certification in computer forensics) to determine hacking. When they fail to do so, look at the court and witnesses like they're idiots.

Stimulus: College 'court' asks to inspect my computer.
Reaction: Look at court like they're idiots, tell them they have no authority to search your private property.

Stimulus: College authority seizes my computer.
Reaction: Call the police, report a robbery.


I often find the best course of action when someone says something stupid, is to look at them like they're stupid.

[Doctor Mike]

Here's my thinking:

Stimulus: Random guy from school accuses me of hacking into private information.
Reaction: Look at random guy like he's an idiot.

Stimulus: Friends say nasty things to me.
Reaction: Look at 'friend' like he's an idiot, sever ties with 'friend'.

Stimulus: 'Friend' tells me to kill myself.
Reaction: Alert local law enforcement that I have been threatened, obtain a protection order, adjust my personal security posture.

Seriously, stay away from these guys, they are dangerous.

Stimulus: College 'court' asks if I'm hacking.
Reaction: Look at court like they're idiots, ask what indication they have that I am.

Stimulus: College 'court' produces 'witnesses'.
Reaction: Look at court like they're idiots, demand the 'witnesses' provide credentials (such as certification in computer forensics) to determine hacking. When they fail to do so, look at the court and witnesses like they're idiots.

Stimulus: College 'court' asks to inspect my computer.
Reaction: Look at court like they're idiots, tell them they have no authority to search your private property.

Stimulus: College authority seizes my computer.
Reaction: Call the police, report a robbery.


I often find the best course of action when someone says something stupid, is to look at them like they're stupid.The original OP has been absent for a while...

[pricetech]

The original OP has been absent for a while...

Indeed. I smell a rat.

[cprofitt]

If I assume this is not an April fools joke...

Do not prove you are innocent nor hand over your computer.

Get a lawyer.

Have your lawyer retain a forensic expert.

Then file a claim of libel against the teacher, each and every student and the administration of the school. Not the school itself.

[bpalone]

If I assume this is not an April fools joke...

Do not prove you are innocent nor hand over your computer.

Get a lawyer.

Have your lawyer retain a forensic expert.

Then file a claim of libel against the teacher, each and every student and the administration of the school. Not the school itself.

+1

It sounds like good advice. Don't roll over for the B******s. Get an attorney and get in their face.

[Dayofswords]

The original OP has been absent for a while...

22 Hours Ago was his last post... less than a day maybe hes looking for the lawyer that 20 people have suggested

[ubunterooster]

@pricetech: +1, but does it matter?
We try to help. If it is a prank likely this thread will come in handy later. Also we can track him down and hack HIM! [just joking, hacking is illegal and in the vast majority of times immoral. Never hack anything but yourself (testing security and the like) Also, the general view of Linux users being crackers is harmful.]

[sdowney717]

I like guake terminal.
It has a great hacking look to it.
install it run it hit it with F12 key to toggle it on and off screen..
A lot of text flowing by never fails to impress.

[ubunterooster]

That is NOT HELPFUL!

[Dark Aspect]

The original OP has been absent for a while...

Dude, I've been absent for less than a day......

I had a 12:30 class that last for three hours and as you might have guessed I don't have Internet at Work/College.


If I assume this is not an April fools joke...


April Fools?

My week has been so bad I didn't even notice. Alright so I don't really have anything to add other than I can't afford a lawyer. However, it would appear that a professor I know has a friend that might be able to help out; I have informed the main accuser with several witnesses presnce that I will sue her if legal charges outside the College come from this.

I was very upset obviously yesterday but I really think now that I have talked to a lot of people that this is not that big of deal. However, I can keep everyone posted if anyone cares to know what happens.

[ubunterooster]

Let us know! PLEASE!!

[Dark Aspect]

Get in contact with a lawyer, and stay strong.

You can also contact the Electronic Frontier foundation:
http://www.eff.org/about/contact

So perhaps they can point you toward a lawyer in your area, who has experience with this specific type of case. In my opinion it's worth a shot.

This is very helpful for many reasons, Thank you.

[mcoleman44]

Yes please let us know! This is a very intresting story and I would love to here its conclusion!

[MasterNetra]

Is America really that bad, do you really need lawyers for such trivial things?

Over here; someone might get asked a few questions, but people can't search a computer without permission from the owner or the police (warrant).

I'd tell them to £%$^ off, and stop bothering you. I find the story hard to believe.

This story is very much possible. Though usually such trivial things are handled in small claims courts. Without the use of lawyers, of course the op can still go to a lawyer for advice.

And things can be that bad. You pretty much say something that could be construed as sexual (even if its not and/or you didn't actually intended it to be, just needs to sound like it is) at work you could be sued for sexual harassment. Most women though don't seem to care though even if it is sexual commit or at the very least they don't sue, but it only takes that one with a crab up her butt.

[NightwishFan]

I really care to know what happens. I also had faith that you were not joking. I will not ask you to share us background info, but be careful you were not set up. Even for a joke it can turn bad. Back when I was in school a student lied and said I threatened them, (an obviously lie I am a gentle person). It got to the point where they were asked if they wanted to press charges before they got cold feet and confessed. Good luck to you and do not lose hope. As a previous poster had said, if they are willing to condem you even for an alleged act, and not a bad one at that, they are not true friends.

[k33bz]

As am I, I am very interested in the conclusion of this story. Best of luck to you.

[cprofitt]

Alright so I don't really have anything to add other than I can't afford a lawyer. However, it would appear that a professor I know has a friend that might be able to help out; I have informed the main accuser with several witnesses presnce that I will sue her if legal charges outside the College come from this.

I was very upset obviously yesterday but I really think now that I have talked to a lot of people that this is not that big of deal. However, I can keep everyone posted if anyone cares to know what happens.

I am not a lawyer, but a few things:

1) You can not, if they are threatening legal action afford to not have a lawyer. This is a blemish on your reputation that could cause serious issues for the rest of your life.

Really do what you can to get a lawyer.

[swoll1980]

people who were suppose to be my friends have called me an idiot and told me that I should kill myself.


I didn't know it was that serious.

[Dark Aspect]

I didn't know it was that serious.

Well......That is actually a little bit personal, it turns out that I am not the most stable person in the world so they were all making referance to an incident that happened a while ago.

Lets leave it at that.

[dragos240]

Well......That is actually a little bit personal, it turns out that I am not the most stable person in the world so they were all making referance to an incident that happened a while ago.

Lets leave it at that.

So, this trial thing was over a while ago?

[ubunterooster]

[prays for Dark Aspect to have justice in this matter]

[|{urse]

Well.. where's their evidence? They kind of need that to substantiate an allegation. I'm doubtful that a university can or would legally accuse you of digital crime without definitive evidence (which is really hard to come by). I'd call whoever and tell them kiss your shiney hiney (If you didn't do it). On a side note i can teach you how to do what you were probably accused of if you'd like (so at least you'll have something to talk to the other inmates about).

20 years on irc with suspicious characters and one tends to learn things lol.

My real advice here is if you didn't do it then don't worry/care about it.


This is kind of a rant but I need to know what to do.

I have been accused at my local college of hacking into private information that I have not done by someone that hates me. The college has decided not to press charges (at this point) but I am at a loss of what to do. I can’t go to class without having horrible things said about me; people who were suppose to be my friends have called me an idiot and told me that I should kill myself. I feel horrible; my relationship with my friends and family are all being strained and I don't know what to do.

Should I get a lawyer? Should I drop out and go to another school? Opinions, please?

[|{urse]

Haha on another sidenote why did you choose the nickname Dark Aspect?

[HoboJ]

You seriously need a lawyer if this isn't some sick joke. Every bit of $$ you've put into your education up to this point is in jeopardy of being wasted if you don't. As for lawyers being expensive well they are and you'll likely have to fork out more than just pocket change to get yourself solid advice and help if required. Either way don't fool around here, the money you'll spend on advice and help from a lawyer is chump change compared to the cost of your education.

[3rdalbum]

Personally, I would have used these words:

"I haven't 'hacked' anything. If you have evidence that I did, then show me. Otherwise, you have no right to accuse me of anything."

[WannabeFantasma]

I'm interested in the ending of this story!

Dark Aspect,
I hope everything will be alright for you in the end!
And if you are telling the truth it MUST be a happy ending!

[Doctor Mike]

Dude, I've been absent for less than a day......

I had a 12:30 class that last for three hours and as you might have guessed I don't have Internet at Work/College. Sorry, but I may have a good suggestion. If you College has a law school, or is affiliated with one that does, you may be able to get the assistance of a student lawyer. You might even be able to find a lawyer who will do it pro bono pubico. It sounds as if you really need representation.

[Gone fishing]

Assuming you are innocent:

Not sure how US universities work but I would have thought the student union they should be able to help with student college problems or even legal advice.

If not lawyer

It would be stupid to drop out

[Milos_SD]

First you sad that you used pacman command to update your system (sudo pacman -Syu) from you classroom (every biology class), and then in recent post you sad that you don't have internet at you collage. Please explane how is that possible? :D

[lisati]

Haha on another sidenote why did you choose the nickname Dark Aspect?

:) Dark Aspect: only share what you're comfortable sharing.

[Dark Aspect]

First you sad that you used pacman command to update your system (sudo pacman -Syu) from you classroom (every biology class), and then in recent post you sad that you don't have internet at you collage. Please explane how is that possible? :D

I’ve loss internet and lab privileges until the investigation is over as of 03/20/10. I ran the command BEFORE that happened, my biology class is a Monday and Wednesday class so you can see I had a chance to do the command once early this week (and before).


Haha on another sidenote why did you choose the nickname Dark Aspect?

Because I hate life, and I fight chronic depression (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ncvy5uKqF0)

Now, I'll post an update 04/06/10 or when I get information.

[clonne4crw]

Now, I'll post an update 04/06/10 or when I get information.

I'm looking forward to it, this is proving to be very interesting. We're all rooting for you!

[keiichidono]

I didn't really read the thread and as people said you should get a lawyer but I do have one thing to say. You shouldn't kill yourself over this. It's a big deal now but later on you'll be glad you didn't do it. Tell the people who tell you to off yourself to go **** themselves.

[aklo]

I'm the one to ask him to cut himself and i take back what i said.

I'm sorry but i thought it was an april's fool joke.

[red_Marvin]

I thought it was an april fools joke, but since it seems to have continued...

I hope that you'd find a sysadmin (or other techie) from the teachers' generation or older (=more credibility/authority) that would go in and defend you (I've got the defence from Scent of a Woman (1992) in my head all this time for some reason)

IANAL, but as others have said, it seems that they should either be able to back up their claims, with statements from professionals who know what they are talking about, not fools who are afraid of white-on-black text. Or they should realize they don't have a case and back off.
If they fail to do that I think you should have good base to take legal counteraction against them. They seem to need reminding of the meaning of "Innocent until proven guilty."

[scouser73]

Ask when this hacking was meant to have taken place and then prove where you were, don't drop out. Prove your innocence.

[scouser73]

Personally, I would have used these words:

"I haven't 'hacked' anything. If you have evidence that I did, then show me. Otherwise, you have no right to accuse me of anything."

+1 for this, the onus is on the person/people accusing you of doing the crime.

[J V]

If they have proof, they have to show it, if they don't show it and accuse you one more time, go kung-paperwork on their *** and sue for slander...

Of course hacking their email and getting messages the conspirators sent to each-other would also work but that probably wouldn't help your case as much :)

[sdowney717]

5 minus 4 equals 1

[|{urse]

:) Dark Aspect: only share what you're comfortable sharing.

Oh I see what that looks like, I'm not baiting the op, a buddy of mine has a band here in cincinnati called dark aspect and I was just curious =)

[|{urse]

Hang in there and stick to your guns man ^^ And remember the phrase "Innocent until proven guilty" :)

[sydbat]

Unfortunately, this kind of thing happens all the time, and not just with "hacking/cracking".

A friend of mine was accused of plagiarism when we were in University. They claimed he had stolen a paper online and claimed it was his own. It was all BS because the school had acquired a new program that "checked for key words and phrases from the database and Internet" to eliminate possible plagiarism situations. Students were encouraged to enter their reports into this program as a pre-check before submitting them to their instructors. He did this, and ran the check to make sure everything was good. Then he handed in the paper.

The instructor also ran his report through this program and it was immediately red flagged. My friend was called into a faculty review and had to explain himself. They sided with the instructor. And my friend was almost expelled.

It took almost a year, but his name was finally cleared. How? It turns out this program was anything but reliable (sorry, I cannot remember the name of it, but I do know it no longer exists), and was so badly written that EVERY paper put through it was flagged as being plagiarized.

The scariest thing - this program was set to become a standard requirement for students and instructors to use.

My friend also had people (mostly instructors) who did not believe he was honest and called him names, etc. Those of us who were his real friends defended him all the way.

[kaldor]

I can’t go to class without having horrible things said about me; people who were suppose to be my friends have called me an idiot and told me that I should kill myself. I feel horrible; my relationship with my friends and family are all being strained and I don't know what to do.


Why would hacking make such a big fuss anyway? I know if it happened where I live, people would more likely laugh and say "good job :)!" instead of that. Relationships with family and friends being strained? People saying you should kill yourself? Seems like a massive exaggeration to me.

[sydbat]

Why would hacking make such a big fuss anyway? I know if it happened where I live, people would more likely laugh and say "good job :)!" instead of that. Relationships with family and friends being strained? People saying you should kill yourself? Seems like a massive exaggeration to me.To us it might seem that way, but in an earlier post Dark Aspect stated that s/he suffers from "severe depression", which skews normal perceptions of everyday interpersonal interactions.

[etnlIcarus]

It's probably also the case that if you're not well-liked to begin with, anything can be used to further ostracise you. May also have something to do with the fact that he was accused of accessing personal information about other students, giving it a 'creep' factor.

[ubunterooster]

Now, I'll post an update 04/06/10 or when I get information.

Does this look bad?

[mcoleman44]

If you are refering to his lack of update then yes, this is a bad sign.

[ubunterooster]

That was what I was reffering to :(

[sdowney717]

I thought it was an april fools joke, but since it seems to have continued...


If you are referring to his lack of update then yes, this is a bad sign.

april fools joke

and if so or not then so what. Cant trust any of it, anyone with a PC can say anything at all.

[ubunterooster]

april fools joke

and if so or not then so what. Cant trust any of it, anyone with a PC can say anything at all.
Sdowney717 never had any problems with Linux. All of his support questions were made up to get attention. After all, "anyone with a PC can say anything at all".


Please, be considerate. You can't give support based on whether or not you believe the guy.

I've seen those trying to get attention; they wait for responses and respond quite quickly. This thread does not follow that profile.

[NightwishFan]

All we can do is wish him well.

[drreed]

You're young and they are intimidating you. That school wants no part of a meeting with your lawyer. I dount they will hold the meeting if you have a lawyer present, they'll have some weasel explanation about it just being an informal hearing or something.

If you didn't do it, then all the investigating will help you. I also doubt that a professor would be a part of a conspiracy to get you.

Proving you illegally accessed anything will be a tall order unless you really did it, and they have the logs. Casually accusing someone like this without evidence is something schools do to kids because kids are scared, and not wise enough to know how to handle it.

A simple letter from an attorney requesting information (so that he can prepare for the meeting) should take care of it.

Caveat: Free advice is often worth just what you pay for it.

** one more thing - talk to your dad if he's available **

[ubunterooster]

@drreed: The fact he has not given an update likely means he is *unable*. :-(

Also consider that many who are suicidal/depressed (at least all I have met) have very disfunctional familial structures

[Doctor Mike]

@drreed: The fact he has not given an update likely means he is *unable*. :-(

Also consider that many who are suicidal/depressed (at least all I have met) have very disfunctional familial structuresHe hasn't posted on the forums for a little over a week. Give him time and the rest will take care of it self...

[PhoHammer]

I hate this kind of stuff. People like to accuse others of crazy things too quickly.

For example:

I worked at a grocery store a couple of years ago. They had chocolate milk sold in glass bottles. There was a $1 deposit on the bottle and you got it back if you returned the bottle. Well I bought and drank a bottle then needed to go to the restroom. I put my empty bottle under a register. A co-worker came by and returned the bottle to the shelf the empty/returned bottles go on. I came back, saw that my bottle had been put up and went and got it back to return it for the $1 deposit refund. I didn't know my co-worker was going to accuse me of returning bottles I had not paid a deposit for.

I actually had to defend myself extensively against the co-worker's accusations and even had to go talk to the store manager. It was embarrassing and stressful and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

I hope the OP gets it straightened out...

[Dark Aspect]

He hasn't posted on the forums for a little over a week. Give him time and the rest will take care of it self...

Alright so I've been in my own personally little h*ll over the last couple of weeks, turns out that the hacking charges seem to have been dropped and I now have Internet at school and can add/remove classes. However, I am still under heavy monitoring by staff.

All seems well when you think about how badly things could have gone, still not prefect and I am rather depressed over the fact that someone slandered me to begin with.


@drreed: The fact he has not given an update likely means he is *unable*. :-(

Also consider that many who are suicidal/depressed (at least all I have met) have very disfunctional familial structures

Yeah and if it’s not too much information, it seems that people misunderstand me quite a bit. I have aspergers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome) and it seems like all I ever am is just a burden. I entered highly emotional suicide stage last week and that didn't help anything, in fact it made me look guilty to a degree and insane.

Anyway, I realize Ubuntu's forum probably isn't the best place to go emotional on, but I suppose this thread has served its purpose. If things get worst I will get a lawyer, in the meantime this hacking ordeal looks okay.

[ubunterooster]

"almost any non-tech support topic" This was as good a place as any to talk. And thanks for the update, I was worried

[Chronon]

Yeah and if it’s not too much information, it seems that people misunderstand me quite a bit. I have aspergers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome) and it seems like all I ever am is just a burden. I entered highly emotional suicide stage last week and that didn't help anything, in fact it made me look guilty to a degree and insane.

Anyway, I realize Ubuntu's forum probably isn't the best place to go emotional on, but I suppose this thread has served its purpose. If things get worst I will get a lawyer, in the meantime this hacking ordeal looks okay.

Your school should have counseling staff on-hand. Maybe talking to someone can help. I wish you well.

[NightwishFan]

You have the ability to beat your depression inside of you right now, you just have to find it. Think positive. The hardest part is looking.

[lisati]

Dark Aspect: It's good to learn that the charges have been dropped. Don't worry too much about the aspergers - people not understanding the way you look at things shouldn't prevent you from being a valuable part of this community. Well done for making it this far!

[Frak]

If you get through this, and the board turns up no evidence, file a lawsuit against the faculty. Emotional distress is a real thing, and it will teach the school to come up with probable cause before they persecute another student based on the lack of knowledge of the accusers.

The law is a serious thing, and to ostracize students over a little scare is nothing short of McCarthyism or Great Purge era Stalinism.

[chappajar]

If you get through this, and the board turns up no evidence, file a lawsuit against the faculty. Emotional distress is a real thing, and it will teach the school to come up with probable cause before they persecute another student based on the lack of knowledge of the accusers.

The law is a serious thing, and to ostracize students over a little scare is nothing short of McCarthyism or Great Purge era Stalinism.

I agree. It would have been handy to have a lawyer from as early as possible (it could have made all this disappear much sooner) but that's past.
In your place I would now be thinking about something like Frak's post here.

[drreed]

Good to hear things are o.k.!

If it makes you feel any better, the word "hacker" used to mean something quite different. Before there were how-to books and college classes, we learned a lot of things by exploiting undocumented features of code. If the device driver shop is overseas, and there is no Internet, then how do you get support? You re-engineered, you hacked, you did whatever it took to make the stuff work. We spent hours trying to hack (our own) systems. It was a label worn proudly, with no evil connotations. :)

[pommie]

The last thing he needs is to take this thing any farther, he does not need the stress.

Dark Aspect, does the teacher concerned know that you have Aspergers, if not then he really should, I know you want to be treated just like other people but you need a bit more understanding than most, one suggestion I have is to approach the teacher concerned and say that you can understand his mistake and that anyone that has not seen a Linux console in operation could of made the same mistake, then ask if he would like to see just what you were doing when he saw you, even if he just tells to to go away at least you have tried, and if he gives you unjustifiable poor grades you can complain with the knowledge that you tried to reconcile your differences and he would not reciprocate, and yes that is proof that he is against you, as to the so called friends, ditch them.

Meanwhile :guitar:party on dude


Cheers David

[Doctor Mike]

If you want to gain some satisfaction and do something socially positive, you could propose a change in the way your school investigates matters like this while letting them know that you are willing to bring a law suite if they do not address the issue.

I'm glad to know your no longer in the soup and wish you the best. :)

[bpalone]

Glad to hear that things are looking better. Don't let them get to you, keep a positive outlook. As for the so called friends, FIND NEW ONES. They obviously were not what most would call friends.

Good luck, keep your chin up and if attitudes don't change at school, I would let an attorney and the sheriff's office (or service company) make their next weeks and months not so much fun.

[|{urse]

Normally, I'd be the last person you'll see say something warm and fuzzy. But after seeing this thread come to it's conclusion, I'm proud to be part of such an intelligent and caring community.
:guitar:

[chrisxuk]

First time I've come across this thread, as I'm relatively new here. Glad to hear things went positively for you :)