VCAA confirms website hack but denies access to VCE exam papers, investigation ongoing
Victoria’s Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) confirmed its website was hacked on Wednesday evening, though there’s no evidence exam papers were accessed, contrary to hacker claims.
A message with profanities appeared on VCAA’s homepage from an individual using the alias “DaggerElite,” asserting that VCE exams were sold statewide.
The hacker alleged they breached VCAA’s security and those of external printing providers, downloading VCE exams and emailing them using a hacked law firm’s system.
They claimed the success of this year’s breach would enable earlier sale of 2027 exams.
Website breach
VCAA stated it is investigating the hack’s extent and reiterated no exam papers from current or previous sessions were accessed, as earlier reported by The Age.
This incident follows a past review ordered after VCAA accidentally published 56 test papers in 2024, advantaging many students.
VCAA’s former chief executive resigned following the 2024 incident, with the board later dismissed in 2025.
Education Minister Gabrielle Williams was contacted but has not commented.
The Coalition’s education spokesperson, Brad Roswell, has requested briefings from the department and VCAA.
The 2026 VCE exam period concludes with language exams on November 18, with results expected on December 10.
