A former student at Western Sydney University allegedly exploited the university’s systems to access cheaper campus parking, before escalating to hack into its servers and threaten to sell confidential student data on the dark web, according to police.
Since 2021, the university has experienced a number of cyber hacks involving unauthorised access, data exfiltration, system compromise and misuse of university infrastructure.
Following extensive inquiries, police say they identified the alleged hacker as a former student.
On Wednesday, detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Kingswood, where the 27-year-old woman was arrested. Computer equipment and mobile devices were also seized at the scene.
She has been charged with 20 offences, including 10 counts of access/modify restricted data held in computer, four counts of unauthorised modification of data with intent to cause impairment, and dishonestly obtaining property by deception.
She was refused bail by police and is expected to appear in Parramatta Local Court on Thursday.
Police will allege the former student initially attempted to get discounted parking on campus, and then allegedly hacking into the university’s systems to alter her academic results.
It’s alleged she eventually threatened to sell confidential student data on the dark web.
Security breaches from January and February this year saw around 10,000 current and former students’ personal data stolen and posted on the dark web.
As reported by 9News, it was believed the security breach took place through the university’s sign-on system, which stores the information of thousands of students.
The university also confirmed that it had discovered student data on a dark web forum, posted on November 1, 2024.
The post detailed “personal information belonging to the University community”.
In a statement to PEDESTRIAN.TV, Western Sydney University said it had been working with police to assist in their investigations.
“These cyber incidents have had a significant impact on the University community and we are thankful for the support of NSW Police,” they said.
“As this matter is now before the Court, the University cannot provide further comment.”
Lead image: NSW Police / Google Maps
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