College Student Brute Forces Password In Attempt To Change Grades

You Li, age 21, a Chinese national living in Utah while pursuing an undergraduate degree in computer science at the University of Utah, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for hacking into a University of Utah computer in an attempt to change a grade in a math class. The indictment also alleges he accessed other personal information. The indictment was announced last week by Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen Sorenson and FBI Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. Fuhrman of the Salt Lake City Office. A federal grand jury returned a sealed two-count indictment last Wednesday afternoon charging Li with accessing a protected computer in attempted furtherance of fraud and obtaining information from a protected computer. Each count carries a potential maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. According to SAC Fuhrman and Chief Scott Folsom of the University of Utah Public Safety Department, Li was arrested Friday morning by FBI special agents and officers of the University of Utah Public Safety Department. Li had an initial appearance in federal court Friday morning and was released on conditions, including surrendering his passport. The indictment was unsealed at the hearing. Defendants charged in indictments are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.

Source - Linux Electrons