Computer Systems

1. Computer Systems D Stainton

2. Computer Misuse • What is computer misuse? • Criminal offences which can be committed using a computer

3. Fraud • The term fraud traditionally covers a range of crimes in which some kind of advantage has been obtained by deception. • An example would be where directors falsify accounts in order to obtain a loan or just monies that would not otherwise be available. • Computer fraud generally involves interfering with the operation of a computer in some way to obtain financial advantage. • However, whilst important, it is not an area that we need to concentrate upon for this unit.

4. Hacking – a brief history • In the late 1980’s there was concern about hacking and the damage which could be done to systems – especially those that were safety-critical –this concern was increased by the appearance of the first computer viruses. There were a number of attempts to prosecute hackers under the then-existing legislation, but the success rate was not very high.

5. Hacking – a brief history • It became clear that the law, as it was at that time, was poorly equipped to address the activities of hackers and virus writers. • Studies were carried out into the issue – the English Law Commission wrote a report in 1989. The recommendations of the Commission’s report formed the basis of the Computer Misuse Act which was passed in 1990.

6. The Act • The Computer Misuse Act 1990 was designed to protect the integrity of computer systems by deterring the activities of hackers. It created three new offences: • Unauthorised access to computer programs or data • Unauthorised access with a further criminal intent (known as the ‘ulterior intent’ offence) • Unauthorised modification of computer material

7. The Act • Besides addressing computer misuse the Act also contains special provisions in recognition that hackers may operate from other countries, by including special provisions relating to jurisdiction and extradition. • You will need to research information on this act.