Computer Misuse Act 1990

Computer Misuse Act 1990

1. Unauthorised Access to Computer Materials

   • Common offence
   • Least serious but still a crime
   • Accessing someone's files without permission, even with a password
   • Up to 6 months in prison and a large fine

2. Unauthorised Access with Intent to Commit or Facilitate a Crime

   • Considered a serious offense
   • Attempting to log on as someone else with the intention of breaking the law
   • An example is logging on to someone's ebay account to defraud a customer
   • Up to 5 years in prison and a large fine

3. Unauthorised Modification of Computer Materials

   • Deletion of files
   • Changing of files
   • Introduction of viruses
   • Up to 5 years in prison and a very large fine

4. Mkaing, Supplying or Obtaining Material that could be used in Computer Misuse Offences

   • Creation of viruses
   • Supplying viruses to others
   • Acquiring viruses from others for use
   • Up to 5 years in prison and an unlimited fine