The Internet is an incredible asset, and while it connects the world and allows organizations to innovate in previously unseen ways, it houses a dark side that is difficult to ignore. We’re talking, of course, about hacking. It’s interesting to learn about how laws are interpreted as they relate to hacking, and the consequences are dire if you get caught.
What Does the Law Say?
The big law in the United States that handles hacking is the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, or CFAA. The law states that it’s a crime to access a computer or network without permission, or to go beyond the permission you were given.
Here are the punishments according to the severity of the crime:
- Small offenses - Even just trying to get into a protected computer without permission can be a misdemeanor. You could face fines and up to a year in prison.
- Serious crimes - The penalties get much tougher if you hack for money, to commit another crime, or if you cause a lot of damage (usually more than $5,000). These are felonies, and they can lead to ten or more years in a federal prison and huge fines.
- Extreme cases - If someone gets seriously hurt or dies because of your actions, you could face up to 20 years or even life in prison.
Beyond the Main Laws
The CFAA is far from the only law. States also have their own laws for cybercrime. You could be charged at both the state and federal level at the same time!
The Internet connects the entire world, so a hacking incident could even extend beyond international borders, opening up the opportunity to be prosecuted internationally. Countries work together to combat cybercrime, so cybercriminals could face charges and legal action in multiple countries.
Do Good Hackers Exist?
White hat hackers do exist, and they discover security flaws in systems with the intention not of exploiting them, but to help companies fix them. It’s a bit of a risky gray area, though, and while many companies have programs that reward white hat hackers, others find that doing it without permission is still a crime. A prosecutor might not look upon good intentions in the same way and open the door for legal action.
The Bottom Line
While it’s tempting to explore technology, you should do so being as informed as possible, as the legal repercussions of doing so carelessly are considerable. These repercussions are also growing more and more serious over time, and you could impact your life forever if you are caught. To cover yourself, always ask for clear, written permission before testing or accessing any system, and be sure to avoid hacks that are not a part of an official bug bounty program.
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