Oxford Pair Suspended for Hacking

Abstract

Oxford University's Court of Summary Jurisdiction has suspended two students who hacked into the university's computer and then wrote about their exploits in the student newspaper. Patrick Foster and Roger Waite admitted they compromised the university's computer system, using a program they easily obtained online, and said they publicized the event to bring attention to the system's lax security. The university court did not find the students' explanation of altruism compelling, suspending Foster until May 2005 and Waite until January 2005. A spokesperson for the university declined to discuss details of the case but noted that "[a]ny student found to have breached university regulations on computer use would face disciplinary action." Foster and Waite said they would appeal the suspension, which they describe as "too harsh." Foster said, "We were simply trying to expose the security failings in Oxford's IT network."