Educational Security Incidents (ESI)

Quick Facts

• Date: 8/1/2009
• Institution: University of Texas, Brownsville
• Type of Incident: Employee Fraud
• Number Affected: N/A
• Source: ESI
• Abstract Source: Brownsville Herald

Abstract
The University of Texas, Brownsville and Texas Southernmost College police recently concluded a two-month long investigation uncovering gross academic fraud by staff of the Office of Distance Education. Police discovered that students and staff working in the Office of Distance Education used their access to the Blackboard system to steal test answers. Six staff and 14 student workers stole test answers for themselves, for friends and even to sell to other students. The theft occurred by staff and student workers that were given administrative access to the Blackboard system. According to other staff, the University had been made aware of possible cheating, but was not sure how to contain the problem. While no criminal charges will be filed, staff involved no longer work for the Office of Distance Education and students involved received a number of different punishments ranging from failing a course to suspension.

Quick Facts

• Date: 3/2/2009
• Institution: Univeristy of Massachusetts
• Type of Incident: Employee Fraud
• Number Affected: 16
• Source: Pogo Was Right
• Abstract Source: The Register

Abstract
A former University of Massachusetts IT administrator is facing charges that he illegally accessed 16 student Facebook accounts and stole nude photos. Robert J DeCampos Jr faces 13 misdemeanor counts of unauthorized computer access and one felony count of larceny. According to court documents, DeCampos used student email accounts to gain access to the Facebook accounts where he was able to download the nude photos these accounts contained. DeCampos was fired by the university on October 20, four days after the discovery of the alleged computer trespass.

Quick Facts

• Date: 12/30/2008
• Institution: University of Iowa
• Type of Incident: Employee Fraud
• Number Affected: Unknown
• Source: ESI
• Abstract Source: Press-Citizen

Abstract
A former University of Iowa employee has been charged with stealing UI laptops and selling them to the general public. According to the complaint, Charles Martin Reed had stolen and sold five university laptops. Reed was a former employee in the UI Surplus office which is responsible for selling used university equipment to the public. It is not known if these five laptops contained were sanitized before Reed allegedly sold them.

Quick Facts

• Date: 11/14/2008
• Institution: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
• Type of Incident: Employee Fraud
• Number Affected: Unknown
• Source: ESI
• Abstract Source: The Gazette

Abstract
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics announced that eight University Hospitals staff members are facing disciplinary actions after inappropriately accessing confidential patient records. Staff discovered the inappropriate access during a routine review of patient record access. According to hospital CEO Ken Kates the hospital has disclosed the incident and apologized to those affected. According to Kates, the hospital will be "stepping up both our training and the penalties for inappropriately accessing or sharing confidential patient information". One of the staff members involved with this incident has been fired.

Quick Facts

• Date: 11/14/2008
• Institution: Rockland Community College
• Type of Incident: Employee Fraud
• Number Affected: 12
• Source: ESI
• Abstract Source: LoHud.com

Abstract
A Rockland Community College student worker has been accused of stealing credit card numbers of former students to purchase high-end clothing costing over $2,200. Ololade Aiyeku, an American citizen from Nigeria, is accused of stealing the credit card information while working in RCC's records office. Police believe Aiyeku gained access to the credit card information of 12 former students' transcript applications by either making copies or stealing them. According to RCC spokeswoman Zipora Reitma students do not normally have access to credit card information. The college plans to look at how this happened and what changes might be made to prevent this type of incident in the future. Spring Valley Police were able to trace a Nordstrom purchase to Aiyeku's apartment where they found numerous receipts and even some notes on purchases. According to Detective David Humested, "He [Aiyeku] was very meticulous with his paperwork." Aiyeku has been charged with 38 felony counts and 31 misdemeanor counts.