Computer Fraud and Abuse

Accessing a Protected Computer Without Authorization

The impact of the federal law--Computer Fraud and Abuse Act--involves accessing a "protected computer" without authorization or exceeding your authorized access. "Protected computers" are specifically defined in Title 18, Section 1030.

Depending on the nature of the offense under this section, prison terms of up to 20 years and large fines may be issued. Where the prior version of the law gave primary jurisdiction to the Secret Service, this version gives the FBI primary jurisdiction in many cases, including terrorism and other threats to national security.

Text of Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (Amended 1994)