Peter Krapp Analysis

Peter Krapp builds a well-constructed argument designed to persuade readers that computer hacking is a danger that steals our most valuable possession—personal information—from our most vulnerable people--students. The article focuses on personal information about college students stolen from college computer networks. The writer builds his argument brick by brick. He starts by giving an example of student data stolen from a college by hackers in China, relating his topic to an event that really happened. The writer quickly establishes himself as an expert in the topic so readers can trust his information. Krapp asks and answers questions about the theft of data, goes into more depth about the type of information stolen from college networks, and then briefly touches on the laws, or the lack of laws, to protect students. He points out that data is stolen from students by not only foreign hackers, but also by American companies. The writer finishes with a call for colleges to protect student data, clearly stating his purpose.
The theft of 18,000 students' data from Pennsylvania State University's College of Engineering is a
He gives two examples that are recognized and used by college students: Google and Pearson. He points out that students are particularly vulnerable to theft by the corporations that provide the apps and class materials that students must use for school. The school dictates which apps are to be used, so students "cannot opt out." He touches again on the law, but reveals that it doesn't protect college students. This information reinforces his arguments that college students are vulnerable to data theft. Presenting the facts this way says that college students are not only vulnerable, they are betrayed by the universities, US companies, and laws that should protect