18 U.S.C. Sec. 1030, known as the Computer Fraud and Related Activity statute, is a federal law that prohibits intentional access and misuse of computers and networks. It applies to computers and networks connected to the internet, including computers located in the United States and abroad. The law outlines several types of computer-related activities that are considered to be criminal offenses, including: • Unauthorized access and/or use of computers, networks, or information stored on them. • Unauthorized modification of computers, networks, or information stored on them. • Theft, destruction, or alteration of computers, networks, or information stored on them. • Trafficking in passwords or other access codes or similar information. • Extortion or threats of harm through the use of computers or networks. • Intentional disruption or denial of service attacks against computers or networks. • Use of malicious code or viruses to damage or interfere with computers or networks. • Use of false or fraudulent identification information to gain access to computers or networks. • Intentional interception of electronic or other forms of communication. • Fraudulent use of credit cards, access devices, or other computer-related activities. The penalty for violating 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1030 can be up to 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000.
18 U.S.C. Sec. 1030, known as the Computer Fraud and Related Activity statute, is a federal law that prohibits intentional access and misuse of computers and networks. It applies to computers and networks connected to the internet, including computers located in the United States and abroad. The law outlines several types of computer-related activities that are considered to be criminal offenses, including: • Unauthorized access and/or use of computers, networks, or information stored on them. • Unauthorized modification of computers, networks, or information stored on them. • Theft, destruction, or alteration of computers, networks, or information stored on them. • Trafficking in passwords or other access codes or similar information. • Extortion or threats of harm through the use of computers or networks. • Intentional disruption or denial of service attacks against computers or networks. • Use of malicious code or viruses to damage or interfere with computers or networks. • Use of false or fraudulent identification information to gain access to computers or networks. • Intentional interception of electronic or other forms of communication. • Fraudulent use of credit cards, access devices, or other computer-related activities. The penalty for violating 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1030 can be up to 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000.
