What Is The Computer Misuse Act?

This is the act of unauthorised misuse or alteration of data stored on a computer. Hacking, asking permission to access files or entering the system to view the bank details of the owner can all be examples. 

The act allows prosecuting anyone found guilty of accessing other computers' details without permission and using them somehow. A guilty verdict can result in a two-year sentence and a £5,000 fine. 

A person can get access to a computer without their permission and could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. The severity of the offence can also lead to an unlimited fine. 

Although the act was first introduced in 1991, cybercrimes have increased recently. In addition to the possibility of hackers adopting new methods of attack, new sections and laws were created. 

Other provisions allow for alternative investment markets, where the judge can examine the tools used. For example, cyber warfare and terrorism are laws that cover activities that cause serious damage to fuel distribution systems, food supplies, or other resources.

Civil rights groups claim that the laws grant full rights to police officers and exemptions as per the law to perform their duties. There are also cases against the European Court of Human Rights brought against the UK by Privacy International and five other organisations. 

The number of these crimes has declined over the past 12 months. Still, it was also found that earlier, less common alternative investments market-related crimes were being reported to the police and investigated. The investigators claim that until the reporting system improves, it is impossible to eliminate it. 

The ONS discovered that more than 4.5 million cyber crimes were committed within the country, where only 3.2 cases were reported. This includes 1.2 million cases of computer misuse. 

2018, there was a 30% decrease in these cases compared to the previous year. This is due to the decline in computer viruses. However, the number of bank transfer scams in the country increased by nearly 40% this year. 

Hackers have hacked more than 1,000,000 pounds per day. In the first half, the hackers stole over £616m in bank customer funds. They use multiple tactics to target customers and individuals pressured to send large amounts of money to criminal accounts. 

Customers of the bank claimed that financial advisors aren't doing enough to protect their funds. However, a voluntary code was created in May to improve how these organisations deal with fraud.