Computer Misuse Flashcards
Explain the offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1990?
- Unauthorised access to computer material (even if unchanged).
- Unauthorised access with intent to commit further offences (intent = deliberate)
- Unauthorised modification of computer material (deleting, changing settings, intro virus)
- Guilty if unauthorised, knows thats it is at the time, and causes computer perform any action to enable unauthorised access.
What does part 5 of the Police & Justice Bill 2006 contain and what do these provisions do?
It amends the Computer Misuse Act to make impairing the operation of a computer / machine and to supply / make tools used in offences an offence. It also increases the max penalty for attempting to gain access from 6 to 12.
What is RIPA?
The Regulations of Investigatory Powers Act is intended to ensure that relevant powers are used in accordance with human rights.
What does RIPA cover?
Interception of comms, acquisition/disclosure of comms, home/car surveillance, use of covert surveillance, and access to encrypted data.
For each of the powers the act covers the purpose for which it may be used, by whom, who authorises, the use which can be made of the materials gained, independent jurisdiction oversight, and means of redress for individual.
What is Stuxnet?
Stuxnet is a computer worm that appears to have wiped a fifth if Iran’s nuclear centrifuges, and thus delaying Tehran’s ability to make its first nuclear weapon by several years.
It contained two parts, dubbed a dual warhead. The first part sent the centrifuges into a wild spin to destroy them. The second part, masked the destruction by tapping normal behaviour and sending that back to the controller while the centrifuges auto destroy.
What is Stuxnet’s implications?
Malware as a weapon - is it an act of war? Is there place for int’l law on gov which launch cyber attacks? It also highlights the vulnerability to industrial warfare.
What is the Communications Act 2003?
Governs the internet, email, mobile phone calls, and text messaging. Section 127 makes it an offence to send messages that are grossly offensive or of indecent, obscene or macing character. The offence occurs whether those targeted actually receive it or not.
Limitation of legislation on computer misuse?
Legislation becomes out of date, but technology and computer criminals move quickly. UK legislation is limited in its ability to tackle the global phenomenon of cybercrime – and much cybercrime comes from outside UK (etigti most spam is from USA and Russia).
RIPA lawful and unlawful acquisition / disclosure?
Unlawful to intentionally intercept communication without lawful authority by means of public service (postal service, telecommunication service)
• Unlawful to intentionally intercept communication by means of a private system without system’s owner consent
• Lawful if both sender and recipient have given consent
• Lawful if in interest of national security
• Lawful if for preventing or detecting crime
• Lawful if for safeguarding the economic well being of the United Kingdom
