In this section I am going to be talking all about the computer misuse act. Specifically designed to control hackers and the illegal access to files. Hackers used to be almost tolerate like a cheeky child.  Then people realised that it could pose a serious threat to data and national security.

The act does 3 things:

1. It is illegal to access files that you have no right to access.

2. It is illegal to access files for use for more serious crimes such as fraud and blackmail.

3. It is illegal to change any data that does not belong to you, includes planting viruses and deleting files.

 

Hacking has been around almost as long as the Internet; some people just love to try and break into a computer system. 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.

As the problem grew, it became apparent that specific legislation was needed to enable hackers to be prosecuted under the law.

So, in 1990, the Computer Misuse Act was passed.

The Computer Misuse Act (1990) recognised the following new offences:

1. Unauthorised access to computer material

2. Unauthorised access with intent to commit or facilitate a crime

3. Unauthorised modification of computer material.

4. Making, supplying or obtaining anything which can be used in computer misuse offences.