Is Computer Hacking a Crime?

Computer hacking is broadly defined as any action that results in unauthorized interference with a computer, computer system or network. Computer hacking includes breaking into a computer with the intent to steal, damage, modify or monitor data or settings within the system.

  1. Significance

    • Computer hacking is considered a crime in all 50 states; it is also a crime under federal and international law. Because a computer may be accessed from anywhere, a person may be charged with computer hacking on the state, federal and international level.

    Types

    • Hacking often involves more than just unauthorized access to a computer. Computer hackers may access a computer in order to: steal financial information such as credit card access numbers; steal personal information (identity theft); harass (swatting); vandalize; gain access to other computers; launch computer attacks; or place malicious software (malware).

    Costs

    • It is estimated that computer hacking costs government and businesses billions of dollars per year. As the use of Wi-Fi and mobile Internet networks expands, the costs of computer hacking will likely rise.

    Considerations

    • Hacktivism is when computer hacking is used to promote a political, religious or cultural cause or agenda. When an individual or group uses computer hacking to make a politically motivated attack it is called cyberterrorism. When one country uses computer hacking to disrupt, destroy or damage another country's computers, it is called cyberwarfare.

    Famous Ties

    • On January 12, 2010, Google announced that it would no longer censor its search results in China. One of the reasons for Google's decision was that it found evidence that Chinese hackers had broken into its email servers in an effort to get information from the email accounts of Chinese human rights advocates.

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