CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice

What is the focus of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986?

1. Regulating email attachments

2. Defining cybercrime that requires computer technology knowledge

3. Providing privacy for personal information

4. Establishing software licensing agreements

The correct answer is: Defining cybercrime that requires computer technology knowledge

The focus of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) of 1986 is to define and address the legal framework surrounding cybercrime that requires specific knowledge of computer technology. Enacted to combat hacking and unauthorized access to computer systems, the law specifically targets various forms of computer misuse, including accessing computer systems without authorization, computer fraud, and the theft of information. This legislation acknowledges that the intricacies of computer technology pose unique challenges for law enforcement and the judicial system. By outlining what constitutes illegal activities within the digital realm, the Act creates a legal basis for prosecuting individuals who exploit these technologies for fraudulent purposes. This legislation has been pivotal in shaping the processing of cybercrime and justifies the necessity for a security framework that corresponds with advancements in technology. In contrast, the other options address aspects that are unrelated to the primary purpose of the CFAA. For instance, regulating email attachments pertains to communications rather than direct cybercrime definitions, providing privacy for personal information focuses more on data protection rather than criminal activities, and establishing software licensing agreements is tied to intellectual property rather than criminal behavior in the realm of computing.