Computer Misuse Act

-Used mainly against hacking

-Prior to 1990 no legislation in place to tackle hacking

-Computer misuse act passed n 1990

Offence 1

-Unauthorised access to computer material

-Lowest level of offence - One most people have done

Offence 2

-Unauthorised access with intent to to commit or facilitate a crime

-This is when someone deliberately enters someone else's system
with the purpose of doing something illegal

Offence 3

Unauthorised modification of computer material

-If there is no intent then it is not breaking the act

-This is when someone modifies or deletes data with the intent to cause damage to a person or company

Offence 3a/4

Making, supplying or obtaining material that could be used in computer misuse offences

Making:
-This is writing or creating computer viruses, worms, trojans, malware, malicious scripts etc.

Penalties

Offence 1:
Up to six months in prison and/or a hefty fine

Offence 2:
Up to a five year prison sentence and /or a hefty fine

Problems

-Very few cases have actually been prosecuted under this legislation

-Even when it does the sentences tend to be lenient

-Once the person is caught then it is too late because the damage is already done