The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) is a U.S. law enacted in 1986 that addresses computer-related fraud and abuse. It is primarily aimed at preventing unauthorized access to computer systems and networks. The CFAA protects individuals and organizations from a range of behaviors, including:
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Unauthorized Access: Protects against individuals who access a computer system without permission, whether by hacking or exploiting vulnerabilities.
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Unauthorized Access with Intent to Commit Fraud: Prevents individuals from accessing a computer system with the intent to commit fraud or other illegal activities.
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Damage and Loss: Protects against actions that cause damage to a computer system, such as introducing viruses, deleting files, or impairing operation.
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Theft of Information: Protects against the unauthorized appropriation of sensitive or proprietary information, trade secrets, or other data.
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Trafficking in Passwords or Access Codes: Protects against the distribution or trafficking of passwords or access codes that enable unauthorized access to computer systems.
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Accessing Computer Systems of Financial Institutions or Government: Establishes additional protections specifically for accessing the systems of financial institutions or the federal government.
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Interference with Services: Protects against actions that intentionally disrupt services provided by a computer or network, including denial-of-service attacks.
While the CFAA is primarily designed to penalize malicious behavior related to computer systems, it has also been interpreted in various ways in court, leading to ongoing debates about its scope and application. Individual behaviors that fall under these categories might result in legal consequences under the CFAA.
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