What is federal law regarding hacking?

Full question:

The Federal Computer Fraud & Abuse Act seems to only pertain to hacking financial and government information on "protected" computers. I know of someone living in California who has deleted files of other users accounts on an internet social networking site, through a program that would select which users he wanted to delete, and start deletion when they visited his user profile. Which law(s) was he breaking?

Category: Internet
Subcategory: Hacking
Date: 04/07/2025
State: National

Answer:

I am prohibited from giving a legal opinion. It may violate state as well as federal hacking laws. Please see the information at the following link:

http://definitions.uslegal.com/c/computer-hacking/

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What is the federal computer hacking statute?

The federal computer hacking statute is primarily the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), enacted in 1986. This law prohibits unauthorized access to computers and networks, including accessing data without permission. Violations can lead to both civil and criminal penalties. The CFAA covers a range of activities, including hacking into systems and causing damage to data or systems. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What is the main federal statute that addresses computer hacking under US federal law?

The main federal statute addressing computer hacking under U.S. federal law is the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). This law makes it illegal to access a computer system without authorization or to exceed authorized access, leading to potential harm to the system or data. Violations can result in both criminal charges and civil lawsuits. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What is the Federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act?

The Federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) is a U.S. law that prohibits unauthorized access to computers and networks. It covers actions such as hacking, data theft, and spreading malware. The CFAA establishes penalties for those who access systems without permission or misuse data. It aims to protect computer systems from unauthorized intrusions and related crimes. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What is the main federal law regarding hacking in the United States?

The main federal law regarding hacking in the United States is the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). This law criminalizes unauthorized access to computers and networks, as well as the misuse of information obtained from such access. It provides a framework for prosecuting various forms of cybercrime, including hacking and identity theft. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What is the law for hacking in the US?

In the U.S., hacking is primarily governed by the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). This law prohibits unauthorized access to computer systems and networks, as well as the misuse of data obtained through such access. Violations can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment. The CFAA is designed to protect computer systems from unauthorized intrusions and cybercrimes. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What is the CFAA of 1984 Computer Fraud and Abuse Act?

The CFAA, enacted in 1986, is a federal law that addresses computer-related crimes, including hacking. It makes it illegal to access a computer or network without authorization and to use that access to commit fraud or cause damage. The law covers a wide range of activities, from unauthorized data access to transmitting harmful software. It aims to safeguard computer systems and data integrity. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*