How to Learn About Computer Virus Laws

In today's high-tech world, we have access to more information and advanced computer applications than ever before. While this is helpful when it comes to storing or retrieving information, the same technology can also leave you vulnerable to computer virus attacks. Fortunately, computer virus authors are not as invisible as they once were, and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act means they are subject to prosecution.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Protect Yourself With Computer Virus Laws

1. Learn about laws that enforce the prosecution of computer virus perpetrators. The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act was first enacted by Congress in 1986, but was amended several times, most recently in 1996. However, these laws were impacted once again on October 26, 2001 by USA PATRIOT anti-terrorism legislation. Find more information on the U.S. Department of Justice Web site (see Resources below).

2. Stay current with alerts about new virus threats as they become available, by periodically reviewing the press releases from the Internet Crime Complaint Center (see Who Can Help below).

3. Report an incidence of a computer virus attack with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which is in partnership with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations (see Who Can Help below).

Learn How a Computer Virus Works

4. Understand that a computer virus, just like a biological virus, is engineered to duplicate and spread itself throughout the files and programs of your system or even across an entire network. Often, significant damage occurs before the virus is even detected.

5. Be aware that sending emails or attached files from an infected computer to another computer or across a network will promote the spread of the virus. As soon as you learn about the infected system, you should refrain from using it until it's cleaned or after it's used to provide evidence.

Tips & Warnings

• Unless it can be proven that you were acting out of malice, you cannot be prosecuted for unknowingly propagating a virus.
• Individuals found guilty of distributing a computer virus with "reckless disregard" may face a fine and a maximum 1-year prison sentence. Those who set out to deliberately cause widespread damage can be imprisoned up to 10 years, in addition to being fined. However, if the virus has an impact on government systems or is deemed to threaten national security, it's a safe bet that the guilty party may face even stiffer penalties under the new guidelines implemented under anti-terrorism laws.

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