UCD Lecturer Charged with Hacking Students' Personal Data

UCD Lecturer Charged with Hacking Students' Personal Data

First seen 20 Mar 2026, 18:13 UTC IrishtimesBreakingnews.IeRte.Ie 51.9

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Dr. Stephen Davis, a 53-year-old archaeology lecturer at University College Dublin (UCD), has been charged with 148 offences, including hacking students' personal data and harassment. The charges stem from an investigation by the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) that began in late 2023, following a complaint about the use of malicious software to access student accounts. Over 100 victims have been identified, with allegations that Davis used software to steal passwords and access personal information. The court proceedings revealed that he faces 51 counts of harassment and 96 counts of unlawfully accessing an information system. He has yet to enter a plea and is scheduled to appear in court again on July 24, 2026. Bail was granted with conditions, including surrendering his passport and signing in at a local Garda station. Davis remains employed at UCD despite the charges.

Key Points: • Dr. Stephen Davis faces 148 charges related to hacking and harassment of students. • The investigation began in late 2023 after a complaint about malicious software usage. • Over 100 victims have been identified, with serious allegations regarding personal data theft.

Timeline

2023-12-01
Investigation by GNCCB begins following a complaint.
2024-01-15
Searches conducted at UCD and Davis's residence.
2025-05-01
Davis arrested following forensic analysis of seized devices.
2026-03-20
Davis appears in court charged with 148 offences.
2026-07-24
Davis scheduled to appear again in court.