The Computer Misuse Act

Unauthorised access to computer material Attempts

dont have to be successful. Punishment by 6 months in
prison + 2000 fine.
Unauthorised access with an intent to commit further
offence. Eg, changing contents of a file to increase bank
balance. Punishment by up to 5 years in prison + large
fine.
Unauthorised modification of computer material.
Deliberate erasure or corruption of computer data
Punishment by up to 5 years in prison.

Behaviour
Planting viruses into a computer system
Using a computer to carry out unauthorised
work
Copying computer programs illegally
Hacking a computer system
Using a computer for various frauds

Types of computer misuse

Hacking
Data misuse and unauthorised transfer
or copying
Copying and distributing copyrighted
software, music and film
Email and chat room abuses
Identity and financial abuses
Viruses

The Copyright, Designs and Patents

Acts 1988
It is a crime to:
Copy or distribute software or manuals that
come with it without permission or licence from
the copyright owner.
Run purchased software covered by copyright on
2 or more machines at the same time unless it is
allowed.
To alter or change software without permission.

The Data Protection Act 1998

The need for the Data Protection Act
During the second half of the 20th century, businesses, organisations and
the government began using computers to store information about their
customers, clients and staff in databases. For example:

names
addresses
convictions
credit history

The roles of those involved

The Information Commissioner is the person
(and his/her office) who has powers to enforce the
Act.
A data controller is a person or company that
collects and keeps data about people.
A data subject is someone who has data about
them stored somewhere, outside of their direct
control. For example, a bank stores its customers'
names, addresses and phone numbers.