Unusual University E-mail...

First you should reply asking What Mac address they have recorded that they need to see your computer. You probably also have to log in before you join the network and are allowed on the interwebs, so I'm sure that's how they know it was you. Use peerguardian next time dumby.

ACLU won't do anything. This is him violating the T&C of his university, so it's not really a legal issue as much as a disciplinary one.

This is important. Back up everything you've downloaded. Delete it. Give the backups to someone. Unless you want to just delete it. You'll have to keep it off of anything they may want to search until this dies down.

Now for how you do the next part, do you have a home internet connection, or one not affiliated with the school that you can borrow? If there is, download a data wiper (I'm not sure of a good one off hand. I can look later, or someone can help me), put it on some kind of removable drive (CD/USB, etc), and wipe your free space using some kind of algorithm. If its convenient, you can use this program to also delete the pirated files in the first place.

Now you've just deleted the hard evidence against you, and it's nearly impossible for them to see the deleted files since you deleted it with an algorithm and then wiped for free space. Reason being that when you delete a file, it deletes the file record, but not the actual file - when you write to the hard drive, it just writes over the file like there's nothing there. Then the file's actually gone. A free space wiper, and a secure file deleter, writes random data to your free space and deletes it several times so that the remnants of the file you deleted are gone.

At this point, the only thing they have against you is your network logs, which is probably how they got you in the first place. Probably looking at the port and protocol, it's very unlikely that they're actually data sniffing to see what you're downloading. You can take it from here as you choose - if you have to admit or deny something, ask around to see what exactly they use as evidence against you. When in doubt, play dumb, but I don't know what they can do.

Course, from what you said, it's not so bad anyway. So no worries, yes?

[edit on 3-8-2008 by Johnmike]

It starts with downloading songs and ends with you down loading
SAC information,or NASA.

Kind of like pot leads to heroin and alcohol is free
Don't worry about your grades all students pass in American in the no child let behind program.

Originally posted by solo1
Don't worry about your grades all students pass in American in the no child let behind program.

...This is college. Then again, you're not the most aware guy, so I have to point it out to you.

reply to post by Alexander_Supertramp


Don't sign any releases at all, especially third party releases. I wouldn't take option #2, go with #1 if anything. You shouldn't even respond until you obtain some kind of legal advise.

What i don't understand is why would you have to bring your laptop with you if you choose option #2 ? Are they going to read your files, or put some kind of program into your laptop ? I wouldn't give anyone access to my computer. I don't like the fact that they want you to bring your laptop in, i wouldn't do it.

I agree with you, i think it's a little strange that they waited so long to contact you about this.

I have a question for you. I don't know what your circumstances are, but wouldn't it be easier for you to just avoid using their internet altogether ?
This way you don't have to worry about them watching where you go on the net, etc, they can't say anything about what you do if you're not using their internet service. Still if i was you i wouldn't do anymore downloading.

Either way i would suggest that you get some legal advise before you do anything.

reply to post by chise61


This is just a T&C issue at his college, not a legal matter, so legal advice can't help much more than simply reading it. They can say that he is just not allowed to use the university internet anymore if he doesn't comply, and that's completely legal because he agreed to the terms and conditions before using it. Besides, there's no punishment for a first offense anyway.

You use DHCP on your computer? If so, say someone spoofed your MAC address and stole your IP address. Since their wireless network is unsecure, who's to say that "Joe Wardriver" didn't "hack" your account?

Trust me, the only thing they can use forensically in a wireless network is the time you connected, User ID used, MAC address, and IP address.

Wireless is the wild west. Anyone has access to your signals.

[edit on 3-8-2008 by Wifiman]

reply to post by Johnmike


I understand that part of it. What i'm referring to is the fact that with one of the options they would require him to bring in his laptop. I think he should find out if they have any legal ground to stand on to require access to his personal computer. I wouldn't give anyone access to my computer without a court order, no matter what was or wasn't on it. I'm just saying that he should be aware of what his rights are concerning this matter before he makes any decisions.

With tremendous tasks that everybody gets into, it is so overwhelming as to how, not only students but ordinary people, we minimize the regulations, policy or laws that control us. All our actions may not be right at the spur of the moment but did the university or authorities announce this or made aware to the students?

We are gradually inundated with issues that at one time we did not know anything about. To make life easier, none of these media downloading that waste our time really make our lives blissful. I would suggest that focus more on what are the priorities that will alleviate our conditions.

Politics, religion, money, work, entertainment have embraced us in an astronomical level. Sense of well-being and peace are out of the questions in the modern culture.

reply to post by Alexander_Supertramp


Option 1 , any time you sign something, chances are your giving rights away.

Your American right?

Do you own the computer now?




[edit on 3-8-2008 by Swingarm]

[edit on 3-8-2008 by Swingarm]

[edit on 3-8-2008 by Swingarm]

Oops, McAfee secure erase kicked off. Here yo go Mr, G-Man.

Originally posted by Alexander_Supertramp
reply to post by prototism

 

It's just really weird because school starts back in 18 days, I don't know why they would send this to me just now at the end of summer.

The FERPA release statement says basically that if I sign it, the university is allowed to release this information to third parties...I don't see why anyone would do that?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$'s



Mod Note: One Line Post – Please Review This Link.


[edit on 4-8-2008 by Jbird]

Say nothing. Give them nothing. Sign nothing.

And threaten to sue the people who get in your way, not the institutions or companies. Target an individual and tell them that you will have to sue them AFTER you bring charges against them for manufacturing evidence and making false statements.

This is a slander that will have a detrimental effect on your education and your reputation. Someone will be held legally responsible.

People know how expensive court can be. And since you will be representing yourself, they will be the one foisting over the cash just to be there and have a crappy lawyer.

These false accusations are slanderous and abhorrent. This may be retribution for something done in the past that you will only now remember.

Remind them that should they take legal action or file charges, you will have no choice but to report their false statements and perjuries to the Attorney General or State's attorney. Filing false documents is a federal offense - make sure your school knows it.

reply to post by Alexander_Supertramp


Tell them you've since sold your laptop to help with financial difficulties over the summer!

Attend the meeting, i'm sure its just a formality.

Oh dear, remember how you threw the computer away at the end of last semester?(assuming that was the last time you used their network with it)

That means you cant take it in with you!

And YOU certainly never used it to download any songs!

reply to post by dawa


I can't remember the OP ever having downloaded any music or movies and I would be willing to testify to that. I am a doctor and would gladly give a sworn statement to that effect.

Being serious;

OP, Do not attend any meetings. Do not talk to anyone about this who isn't totally on your side.

Instead, let them contact you in person and then tell them that all future correspondence WILL be done in writing and the letters are to be sent to your lawyers office (say "legal adviser" when they ask)- which could really just mean your dad's house.

Do not write them or call them. Respond only when confronted and react calmly with threats of litigation and reminders that they are breaking several laws (mentioned in other posts).

Let even their lowest level minions know that they are acting on information derived from a Felonious act and the LAW will hold them partially responsible - as you can be charged with "conspiring" whenever a felony is being committed. In fact, once you inform them of this, if they continue to act on their employer's behalf they are now eligible for some jail time. Remind them.

Remind them also that after the felony charges are app,lied, you will be suing them for their tortious acts and conduct - which have clearly had a detrimental effect on your emotional well-being and your Reputation (via a note on your student record - based on felonious statements).

You are Right, They are Wrong. They are committing felonies and numerous other violations of the LAW. Remind their minions of their shared responsibility in this regard.

Anything you send them, make sure it is noted that it has been CC to the ACLU, Student Rights Groups, your legal adviser and any other important people or groups.

god lol

i find it funny how they will read all of theses posts also

and see how much of a big deal youguys are making out of somthing this kid is not even gunna get punished for

First, if this was an email. DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. They need to contact you formally, and appropriately. Email them back if you wish, asking that they send this information to you in a certified letter. Second, if you performed illegal activites on there network, and are admitting it to us, let us be the only one you admit it to. Remove the inapprorpiate material, get off the p2p stuff. Next download an anti-virus, legally, or install one, and update it. Do a scan of your computer. Turn on your firewall, if you don't have one buy one. Get anti-spyware. This way when and if they so choose to contact you correctly, first say nothing. ANY STATEMENTS YOU MAKE ADMITTING GUILT CAN BE USED AGAINST YOU. If they want a computer tech to look at the computer ask to review the T&S agreement. IF ITS NOT NOTED IN THERE, then they need a court order. Tell them that if there was an issue, you have purchased anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall software and that you throughly vetted your machine. AGAIN, DO NOT ADMIT GUILT, and I agree with the other person, have them send all the documents to your lawyer for your review. You don't have to say anything to them, and if they screw up your classes because of this, you can SUE the piss out of them. DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT LET THEM THREATEN YOU. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING, IF THERE IS A POLICE OFFICE PRESENT, KNOW, ASK IF YOU CAN LEAVE, AND DO SO. IF THEY SAY NO, SAY NOTHING. Saying nothing is actually very hard, but this is absolutely imperative. 9X out of 10, its you screwing up that gets you hung. IF you choose one of the 2 options, go with the first. AGAIN admit no GUILT. THESE PEOPLE AREN'T your friends, lovers, or your mommy. They are there for a purpose.

I want to be VERY CLEAR WITH YOU. You need to talk to your parents about this. Additionally you need to get a lawyer. This could very well get you kicked out of school. If you sign anything, it could wind up costing you $100,000 dollars or more, which if you live in NY State, or certain other states, could put your parents on the hook for. If you can't afford a lawyer, do whatever you have to in order to get one.

I think that the school clearly has you on this, and at this point its all a matter of what size of poo you want to step into. This could quite easily become Godzilla's poo, and you need to avoid this from happening.

I REPEAT TALK TO YOUR PARENTS, GET A LAWYER!

Wish you luck,

Camain

reply to post by camain


Stop Fear Mongering. Good advice though.


The university doesn't have anything. They are relying on you confessing.

You have to get rid of that computer - it is so full of trojan horses you will never be able to fix it. (Furthermore you could contaminate the internetlol)

Once they know that you are filinf charges against them or even thinking about it, you will find the problem goes away. You could cost them tens of thousands of dollars and since they are clearly filing False statements and filing Fraudulent documents they are suspected felons as far as we are concerned. Remind them of this.

Remind them individually as you are confronted. Remind them that no matter how slight their participation in a felony, they will be regarded by the LAW as having committed it. Conspiracy charges...

Pay no mind to the Nasty Noisy Negativists on this thread.

You need to focus on stopping these criminals before they victimize someone else. You may have to take legal action - Represent yourself. Use common Law, always have a jury.

It won't come to that, once they realize their freedoms are at stake (and their money and their jobs), these predators will pick a weaker target. That's when you file charges with the State's Attorney.


[edit on 3-8-2008 by TruthTellist]

What ever happened to just being a man and saying ya I did it and I was wrong. Please forgive me and I will not do it again.

ACLU?
LAWYERS?

Looking them in the eye and telling them your going to do the right thing takes a hell of a lot more balls than doing it here on a forums. Take your laptop in and show them what you down loaded and delete it, with them watching. Thank them for the education they just gave you and take the punishment.

Or we could always involve the

UN
NATO
IAEA
The law Firm of Pickem and FLickem
ACLU
LOL

Just because everyone else does it does'nt make it right. Chances are that your enjoying that education because your parents have invested in a money market or mutual fund that is somehow tied to the evil corporations that wants to make you pay for the things you stole. So you might have actually been stealing from your own family (I know thats a stretch). Not to mention the artist who rightfully expects to get paid for finaly obtainning a song that a college student would want to listen too.

Evil corporations? What are they teaching in that school anyway?

You sound like an honorable person to readily admit when your wrong. But what are you really made of?

Integrity means doing whats right, Even when no one is watching.

Will