Computer Misuse And Hacking Offences - The Law Explained

The digital landscape has changed massively since the introduction of the computer misuse act in 1990 when the internet was in its infancy. Compared with the time when those laws were passed, the quantity of data stored online is now huge. Now systems and networks play a part in virtually every aspect of our daily lives. They are also of course open to threats and manipulation, and this means that the criminal law can come into play.

Our specialist cyber crime solicitors have set out a short guide to the law and defences for some of the common offences.

Offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 including Hacking, DDoS Cyber Attacks

As long as there are digital systems designed to hold and receive information, those systems will be open to manipulation. What we have now come to call ‘hacking’ offences are recognised by the law, and cases can lead to criminal convictions, very large fines, and even prison sentences. We have included some of the common offences below and how the law