The widespread use of computers has led to new types of crime. The Computer Misuse ActDefines and criminalises a number of offences involving the use of a computer, eg unauthorised access to computer systems. attempts to discourage people from using computers for illegal purposes. There are three separate parts to the Act:
It is illegal to access dataUnits of information. In computing there can be different data types, including integers, characters and Boolean. Data is often acted on by instructions. stored on a computer unless you have permission to do so. Unauthorised access is often referred to as hacking Gaining unauthorised access to data in a computer..
It is illegal to access data on a computer when that material will be used to commit further illegal activity, such as fraud or blackmail.
It is illegal to make changes to any data stored on a computer when the user does not have permission to do so. If you access and change the contents of someone鈥檚 files without their permission, you are breaking the law. This includes installing a virus or other malwareSoftware that is designed to cause harm or damage to a computer. This includes viruses that might damage files, adware that causes pop-ups, and spyware that collects and shares login details. which damages or changes the way the computer works.
The maximum punishment for breaking this law is a 拢5,000 fine or several years鈥 imprisonment.
However, one key part of the law is that intent must be proved. If a computer is not well protected, someone could accidentally access its data without meaning to. They might also accidentally change a document without realising it. For anyone to be found guilty, it has to be shown that they intentionally accessed and changed data.