Computer Misuse Act
- 1. Computer Misuse Act ICT GCSE
- 2. The Computer Misuse Act Originally introduced in 1990 Prior to 1990, there was no legislation in place to tackle the problems caused by hacking. Although everyone knew that it was wrong and should be against the law, there was nothing that anyone could do about it.
- 3. Offence 1 Unauthorised access to computer material Lowest level of offence Have you ever logged into someone else's account without their permission? If so you are guilty of this offence, even if you didn't make any changes This offence carries the risk of a six month jail sentence
- 4. Offence 2 Unauthorised access with intent to commit or facilitate a crime The difference between this and the first offence is that the person gaining access to someone else’s system is doing so with the sole purpose of doing something illegal. This might mean that they had to guess or steal the password in order to get into someone's user area or their bank account. They might want to steal some company secrets or they might want to transfer some money out of your bank account into their own. Anyone caught doing this risks up to a five year prison sentence and/or a hefty fine.
- 5. Offence 3 Unauthorised modification of computer material This offence relates to the deletion or changes made to files with the intent to cause damage to an individual or company. The difference is 'the intent to cause damage'. This offence also covers purposely introducing viruses to other peoples' systems. Writing a virus technically isn't a crime; but if you knowingly transmit a virus to others, you are guilty under this section of the Computer Misuse Act. This offence carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a fine.