Computer Misuse Act 1990

Altering computer material without permission

Accessing computer material without permission with intent to commit further criminal offences

Accessing computer material without permission.1

2

3

Is THIS an offence under the Computer Misuse Act??

Darren received a virus in his Email. His anti-virus software identified the virus and placed it in quarantine. Later he sent his teacher an Email and placed the virus as an attachment.

Darren Glover

Yes, Section 3 – Altering computer material without permission

Is THIS an offence under the Computer Misuse Act??

Sophie has scanned in music and placed it on her personal website so she can share the music her friends need for their band practise.

No. This relates to copyright law.

Sophie Walker

Is THIS an offence under the Computer Misuse Act??

Gordon working in marketing in his company, he has authorised access to the computer network. He uses a colleague’s login to get some information from the accounts department. Yes, Section 1 – Unauthorised access to computer material.

Gordon Fox

Is THIS an offence under the Computer Misuse Act??

Susan is temping at her local council offices, she does not have access to the computer network. During lunchtime a colleague leaves herself logged on, Susan uses the internet on that account Probably Not. She did not intend to access restricted data or programs.

Susan Harper

Is THIS an offence under the Computer Misuse Act??

Trevor had his login account locked by an administrator because he was seen playing a computer game during lesson time. Trevor did not know that his account was locked. He is confused that his username and password does not work, so he attempts different variations of his password in order to gain access to his account.

No. He was not aware that his entry was unauthorised

Trevor Watkins

Is THIS an offence under the Computer Misuse Act??

Graham was browsing on the internet and he gained access to a site which had minimal security. He came across some name and address data which he passed onto his friend who works for a company which does ‘mail shots’ i.e sending adverts to addresses. The company did not use the information.Yes. Section 2 – Unauthorised access with intent to commit further offences. (Transferring personal data is an offence under DPA)

Graham Smith

Guess the sentence!

Altering computer material without permission

Accessing computer material without permission with intent to commit further criminal offences

Accessing computer material without permission.1

2

3

Up to£5000 fine, 6 months in prison, or both

Up to£5000 fine, 5 years in prison, or both

Up to £5000 fine, 10 years in prison, or both

Guess the sentence!

£400 Fine

Daniel Cuthbert

IT Contractor Daniel Cuthbert, attempted (but failed) to hack into a web site for donations to the tsunami relief fund. The prosecution agreed that he did not intend to be fraudulent or make money by hacking.

Guess the sentence!

£600 fine & 200 hours community service

Oliver Cookson

Oliver Cookson, 22, sold digital circuitboards - known as cable cubes - which fit into television sets. These allow the user to gain access to subscription satellite television.

Guess the sentence!

2 years in prison!

Simon Vallor

Computer Programmer Simon Vallor (aged 19) wrote at least three different virus programs and Emailed them to 30,000 businesses in 42 countries

Get to work!