The criminal use of computer systems

Contents
  1. Computer Misuse Act

1. Computer Misuse Act

In response to crimes been committed on computers the Computer Misuse Act was created

Introduced to prevent unauthorised access to computer systems.

Three main offences:

  • Unauthorised access to computer material - Gaining access to a computer system without permission, for example: logging into a users account without there consent. 
  • Unauthorised access with the intent to commit further offences - Once gaining access, intending to commit further crimes, for example: stealing data to commit Identity Theft.
  • Unauthorised modification of computer material - Deleting files, changing files, installing malware, etc.

Committing any of the offences can lead to fines and or time in prison.