The Criminal Use of Computer Systems
Criminal Use of Computer Systems
The Computer Misuse Act 1990 (CMA) is the UK law that makes criminal use of computer systems illegal. It exists because traditional laws weren't designed to deal with digital crime. The Act is divided into sections, each covering a different type of offence with increasing severity of punishment.
Unauthorised Access
This means entering a computer system, network or account without permission — even if no data is stolen or damaged.
For example, guessing someone's password to log into their email account is unauthorised access, regardless of whether you read anything. Simply getting in where you shouldn't be is the offence.
This is criminalised under Section 1 of the CMA and carries a maximum punishment of 2 years in prison.
Where the access was carried out with intent to commit a further crime, such as fraud or data theft, this falls under Section 2, increasing the maximum sentence to 5 years.
Unlock All Revision Notes
Syllabus-perfect, clutter-free summaries — so you only study what really matters.
Start your 7-day free trial (no card needed!)Existing User? Sign In