The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), enacted in 1986, is a U.S. law that addresses crimes related to computer systems and data. It provides protection against various forms of computer-related misconduct. Specifically, the CFAA protects individuals and organizations from the following behaviors:
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Unauthorized Access: The act makes it illegal to access a computer system or network without authorization. This includes hacking into systems to steal, alter, or destroy data.
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Exceeding Authorized Access: It prohibits individuals from accessing information in a computer system for which they have permission but then using that access to misuse or divert information for unauthorized purposes.
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Identity Theft: The CFAA addresses actions related to identity theft, including the unauthorized use of someone else's personal information through computer systems.
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Damage to Computer Systems: The law criminalizes the intentional transmission of harmful programs (e.g., viruses, worms) that can damage or interfere with computer systems or data.
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Trafficking in Passwords: It prohibits the sale or distribution of passwords or similar items that allow unauthorized access to protected computers.
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Computer Sabotage: It includes provisions against the destruction or transmission of information that causes damage to a computer system or interferes with its operation.
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Financial Loss: The CFAA protects organizations against deceptive acts that can lead to losses, such as theft of information for profit.
Overall, the CFAA serves as a legal framework to protect individuals and organizations from various forms of computer-related fraud and abuse, safeguarding personal and proprietary information from unauthorized access and malicious activities.
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