{"id":352078,"date":"2023-12-02T12:56:33","date_gmt":"2023-12-02T17:56:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/hacking-laws-and-punishments.html"},"modified":"2023-12-02T12:56:33","modified_gmt":"2023-12-02T17:56:33","slug":"hacking-laws-and-punishments","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/hacking-laws-and-punishments.html","title":{"rendered":"Hacking Laws and Punishments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Hacking Laws and Punishments<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Samuel Strom, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Federal and state laws define illegal hacking. Hacking becomes a crime when you access someone’s device or network without permission. Laws also set penalties to address the complexity and impact of hacking in today’s digital age.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

There are several types of computer crimes. Some of the most high-profile examples involve hacking. As cybercrime<\/a> has become more common, hackers have affected everything from economics<\/a> to politics<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

But not every act of hacking rises to the level of a crime. Because of the varying degrees of hacking<\/a> and its increasing prevalence in modern society, it’s important to understand when hacking becomes a crime.<\/p>\r\n

This article contains information about hacking laws and punishments. It also discusses remedies for hacking victims. For more help to protect yourself against accusations of a computer crime, talk to a criminal defense lawyer<\/a>. <\/p>\r\n

Definition of Computer Hacking<\/h2>\r\n

Hacking is broadly defined as the act of breaking into a computer system. Hacking may lead to criminal charges<\/a> when a hacker accesses someone else’s computer system without consent<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

For example, a hacker may use a phishing scam<\/a> to install malware<\/a> on a computer network. They may also install computer programs, allowing them to commit identity theft<\/a> or steal confidential information.<\/p>\r\n

Federal Computer and Hacking Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Several federal laws address hacking. Computer hacking laws include the following:<\/p>\r\n