Students are constantly vying to attain high GPAs in high school. The pressure of SAT scores and college acceptance weighs down many students.  While most students work diligently to keep their averages high and respectable, others get those grades in a less respectable manner. Some students cheat off of other high-ranking classmates to illegally achieve high scores.

On October 20, three students at Commack High School were arrested for hacking into their school’s secure database. These students altered over 300 schedules and changed two of their grades over the summer. The authorities believe that Daniel Soares, 17, of Commack is the ‘ringleader’ of the cyber-attack.  Soares is charged with two counts of third-degree burglary, two counts of third-degree computer tampering, one count of computer trespass, three counts of identity theft, and one count of eavesdropping. Alex Mosquera of East Northport and Erick Vaysman of Commack were each charged with one count of third-degree computer tampering and one count of fourth-degree criminal solicitation. All three boys pleaded not guilty to the charges. If convicted, Soares could face up to seven years in prison, while Vaysman and Mosquera could face up to four years in prison.

In September, after detectives searched his house under a warrant for his arrest, Soares disappeared and eventually returned home, turning himself into the authorities. Soares broke into a classroom twice after hours to install his hacking tools, using a device known as a “key logger,” which records every keystroke made on a computer. After installing this device onto a teacher’s computer and recording all the necessary passwords, the boys logged into the school’s database and altered student schedules along with Soares’ and Vaysman’s grades. Authorities say Soares changed four of his grades, raising a 94 to a 100.

Dailymail.com titles Soares as a “Real life ‘Ferris Bueller.” Authorities say they tracked Soares because of “remnants” left on the school computer he hacked. The authorities also say that a search warrant revealed evidence left on his home laptop.  The hacking was first reported this past July after district officials noticed the altered schedules. After the hacking incident, the school improved its computer security.

These students made unwise decisions and the ultimate result was detrimental to their future educations and livelihoods. Their futile attempt to improve their academic standing ultimately decimated their opportunities as future college applicants. These students’ names are now recorded in infamy as they await the ruling on the legal troubles they will also face.