CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice

The act that makes hacking illegal is known as?

1. Data Protection Act 1998

2. Crime Prevention Act

3. Computer Misuse Act 1990

4. Cybersecurity Regulation Act

The correct answer is: Computer Misuse Act 1990

The Computer Misuse Act 1990 is the correct choice because it specifically addresses and criminalizes unauthorized access to computer systems and data. This legislation was a direct response to the growing concerns about computer hacking and the misuse of technology. It establishes several offenses, including unauthorized access to computer material, unauthorized access with intent to commit or facilitate the commission of further offenses, and unauthorized modification of computer material. This Act therefore provides a legal framework that defines hacking as illegal and imposes penalties for such activities, ensuring better protection of computer systems and data integrity in the UK. Understanding this legislation is fundamental for any professional working in cybersecurity, as it sets the standards for lawful behavior regarding computer systems and enforces legal consequences for breaches. In comparison, the Data Protection Act 1998 focuses more on the processing and protection of personal data rather than hacking itself. The Crime Prevention Act and the Cybersecurity Regulation Act (which does not specifically exist in the same recognized form as the Computer Misuse Act) do not address unauthorized computer access directly, making them less relevant to the context of illegal hacking.