CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice

What does the Computer Misuse Act 1990 primarily address?

1. Data privacy violations

2. Internet security breaches

3. Illegal computer activities

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: Illegal computer activities

The Computer Misuse Act 1990 primarily addresses illegal computer activities. This legislation was introduced to combat various forms of computer-related crime, including unauthorized access to computer systems and data, unauthorized modification of computer material, and the intent to commit further offenses using a computer. The Act is focused on specific criminal behaviors rather than broader issues like data privacy or internet security as standalone categories. While it may touch upon privacy concerns as a consequence of illegal access or misuse, its main purpose is to establish legal parameters against direct acts of computer misuse. In contrast, data privacy violations typically fall under different regulations and frameworks dedicated specifically to protecting personal information, and internet security breaches could refer to a wide range of issues not explicitly covered by the Act itself. Therefore, the most accurate and focused representation of the Computer Misuse Act is its direct engagement with illegal computer activities.