§ 1030 – Computer Fraud and Related Activity

18 U.S.C. § 1030 – Fraud and related activity in connection with computers (computer hacking and cyber fraud)

This law makes it a federal crime to access computers without authorization, exceed authorized access, or use computers to commit fraud, steal data, or cause damage.

Section 1030 is commonly known as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). It covers a wide range of computer-related crimes, including hacking, unauthorized access to systems, stealing information, disrupting networks, and using computers to commit fraud.

The law applies to protected computers, which generally include computers used by the federal government, financial institutions, and computers connected to the internet or involved in interstate or foreign commerce.

What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they knowingly:

• Access a computer without authorization or exceed authorized access and obtain information.
• Access a computer to commit fraud and obtain money, property, or anything of value.
• Intentionally cause damage to a computer, system, or network, including by transmitting malicious code.
• Traffic in passwords or access credentials that allow unauthorized entry into computer systems.
• Access government, financial, or protected computers in ways that compromise security, data, or operations.
• Attempt or conspire to commit any of the above computer-related offenses.

Even accessing a system in a way that goes beyond permission granted—such as using authorized access for an improper purpose—can trigger criminal liability under this statute.

The statute covers many different forms of computer misuse, ranging from simple unauthorized access to large-scale intrusions that cause financial loss, disrupt services, or compromise sensitive data.

Penalties.
Penalties under § 1030 depend on the type of conduct, the harm caused, and whether the offense is a repeat violation. Consequences may include:

• significant federal prison time (ranging from misdemeanors to felonies),
• substantial fines,
• restitution to victims for financial losses, and
• forfeiture of computers, devices, or other property used in the offense.

View the full statute here.

If you are being investigated for computer-related fraud or hacking allegations, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys for guidance.