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Statement on HackingUnauthorized Access

Statement on Hacking

Over many years, the hacking community has developed an expected set of guidelines:

HACK ETIQUETTE

2. Be Subtle – Leave no evidence that you were ever there.

3. Leave things as you found them – or better.

4. If you find something broken call F-IXIT.

5. Leave no damage.

6. Do not steal anything.

7. Brute force is the last resort of the incompetent.

8. Do not hack while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

9. Do not drop things off (a building) without a ground crew.

10. Do not hack alone.

11. Above all exercise some common sense.

(Source: Wall on the student street in Stata; by tradition.)

Ultimately individuals are responsible for their actions and any intentional or unintentional consequences. While the “Hack Etiquette” is a very useful guide, responsible behavior also includes not acting in a manner that makes a police officer or MIT employee feel unsafe in the conduct of his/her duties (for example, running or hiding when discovered). Labeling something as a hack does not change unlawful behavior into lawful behavior. In addition, infractions of MIT rules or policies may result in disciplinary action.

Office of the Dean for Student Life

Unauthorized Access

The specific action taken in each case will depend on the formal relationship of the individual to MIT.

Office of the Dean for Student Life

Source: David Kennedy, Director of the Office of Student Mediation and Community Standards