Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)

Definition - What does Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) mean?

The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) is a law that was passed by U.S. Congress in 1986 to reduce the hacking and cracking of government or other sensitive institutional computer systems. The act states that anyone who engages in the following will be subject ranging from fines to imprisonment.

  • Accesses information without authorization to obtain information related to national defense, foreign relations or other restricted data.
  • Access a computer without authorization and obtains information contained in financial records or from a financial institution.
  • Accesses a U.S. department agency computer without authorization.
  • Accesses a federal computer without authorization and with the intention to defraud.

Techopedia explains Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)

The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act prohibits the use of federal and certain computers of financial institutions beyond the bounds of the authorization given to the person. This is mainly to eliminate or at least reduce cases of fraud and abuse where federal protected computers are involved.

Protected computers are:

  • Computers that are used exclusively by the U.S. government or a financial institution
  • Computers used for or that affect foreign commerce or interstate communication or commerce. This includes computers in locations outside of the United States.

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