To help with the spread of viruses, a law has been passed to protect computer users from hackers and make those who deliberately invent viruses accountable for their actions.

The 1990 Computer Misuse Act has been put in place to help with the problem. It is now illegal to write a virus or deliberately spread one.

WARNING!

You could be sent to prison if you try without authorisation to:

• Access someone else's computer files and material (hacking but without the intention to commit a crime).
• Access a computer to commit a criminal offence such as accessing a university database to change exam results.
• Modify computer material, by writing or spreading a virus.

The last two offences are considered very serious and have a maximum prison sentence of 5 years.

Move on to the last screen to test your memory.