Computer Misuse
By:
Alex Meadows
Michael Read
How can you misuse a computer?
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Accessing data stored electronically
Copying software without permission
Corrupting data
Email and Chat room Abuse
Pornography
Grooming
Identity and financial abuses
Viruses
Hacking
• Defined as breaking into your IT system
without consent.
• It is still an offence if no damage is done and
no files are deleted
• Precautions such as Firewalls, Anti-Virus and
secure passwords should be taken against
hacking
Computer Misuse Act (1990)
• The act defines three specific offences:
– Unauthorised access to computer material
– Unauthorised access to a computer with intent to
commit or facilitate the commission of a serious
crime
– Unauthorised modification of computer material
Computer Misuse Punishments
• Unauthorised access to computer material
including copying software stored on the
computer:
– 6 months in prison or a £5,000 fine
• Unauthorised access with intent to commit
further offences i.e. spreading viruses
– 5 years in prison or an unlimited fine
• Changing computer information
Cyber-x type activities
• Taking malicious forms of offline
communications online…
– Cyber bullying
– Cyber terrorism
– Cyber stalker
…in the headlines today!
• A man incited riots on Facebook in Wales. The
man was sentenced under the malicious
communications act for four years.
• A disgruntled IT supplier hacked a estate agent
website and replaced pictures of houses with
pornography. The person was convicted under
the computer misuse act.
How does computer
misuse affect…
• Extra security to prevent unauthorised access
to confidential data
• As an ISP, BT have to block access to illegal file
sharing websites
• OFCOM regulations to tackle equivalence
issues
• The different BT Group businesses have to
operate from different building areas
How does computer
misuse affect…
• Extra security to prevent unauthorised access
to confidential data
• Payments are dealt with by a 3rd Party to fully
comply with the Data Protection Act
• Strict selling guidelines
How does computer
misuse affect…
• Extra security to prevent unauthorised access
to confidential data
• Obliged to alert users of ‘hoax’ websites
• Filter inappropriate content
• Prime arena for cyber-x activities
How the computer misuse act impacts
the way in which an organisations
products and services are offered
• General points to note
– Increased internet security
– Employee awareness programmes
– Data Protection systems
Any Questions?