8.101 Reckless Damage to a Protected Computer (18 U.S.C. Sec. 1030(a)(5)(B)) is a federal statute that prohibits individuals from intentionally damaging, or recklessly causing damage to, a protected computer. In this context, a protected computer is any computer that is connected to the internet or a computer system used in interstate or foreign commerce or communication. This statute includes several types of prohibited conduct. It is illegal to intentionally access or cause damage to a protected computer without authorization, or by exceeding authorized access. It is also illegal to intentionally cause damage by transmitting a program, code, or command to the protected computer. Additionally, it is illegal to recklessly cause damage to a protected computer by either accessing, or causing damage to it. In the United States, 8.101 Reckless Damage to a Protected Computer (18 U.S.C. Sec. 1030(a)(5)(B)) is a serious federal offense. Violations of this statute can result in substantial fines and/or imprisonment.