Purdue: Hackers break into school's computer system
WEST LAFAYETTE -- Someone gained unauthorized access to Purdue's computers, prompting school officials Thursday to urge all students, staff and faculty to change their passwords.\n"We have confirmed that some computer passwords have been obtained by unauthorized users accessing a number of computer systems," said Scott Ksander of Purdue's information technology office. "The full extent of the problem is still being analyzed, but we think it is important to exercise caution, and the best action to take is for all users to change their passwords at this time."\nPurdue officials said that after the initial breach was detected, an investigation found that computers in several locations on the 38,000-student West Lafayette campus had been accessed.\nThe Purdue police department was notified of the hacking Wednesday.\nThe school has not been able to determine whether personal information was copied by the hacker. Ksander said computer users should watch for signs that their personal information might have been obtained by others.\n"Purdue's information technology professionals identified the situation quickly and now are working hard to determine the extent of the problem," said Joseph Bennett, vice president for university relations.
Two state prison guards charged with attacking inmate
CARLISLE, Ind. -- Two Wabash Valley Correctional Facility guards have been suspended without pay after they were arrested on charges that they attacked a handcuffed prisoner, authorities said.\nJohnnie Murphy, 42, and Thomas Troy Matney, 33, both of Sullivan, face misdemeanor charges of battery resulting in bodily injury.\nMurphy was arrested Tuesday and Matney was arrested Wednesday by Indiana State Police, the Sullivan Daily Times reported Thursday. Both were released from custody after posting bond.\nInmate Jermarcus Grandberry told prison investigators that Matney and another officer injured him when they struck him in the face and head with their fists.\nSullivan County Prosecutor Bob Springer said the attack happened June 24 at the prison about 35 miles south of Terre Haute.\nTwo other guards reported the attack to prison officials, and the beating was confirmed by a third correctional officer working at the time, according to a prison report.\n"The system is working here," Springer said. "Staff has come forward. It was thoroughly investigated by the prison and Indiana State Police, charges have been filed, and they have been suspended without pay pending the outcome of these charges."\nMurphy and Matney could not be reached for comment Thursday as neither had listed home telephone numbers. Springer said he did not know whether Murphy or Matney had defense attorneys.\nWabash Valley spokesman Rich Larsen said Murphy and Matney had been placed on emergency suspension pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.\nGrandberry, who is serving a 10-year sentence for burglary convictions in Allen County, has since been transferred to the Plainfield Correctional Facility, according to prison officials.\nBoth Murphy and Matney began working at the prison in October 2000, according to court officials.
