4.1 UK Legislation and regulation

Computer Misuse Act

Spyware: Is computer software that is installed secretively on personal computers that either intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent.

Malware: Is software specifically designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's consent.

Viruses: Is something that will copy and attach itself to a computer's code. A worm can spread itself to other computers without needing to be transferred as part of a host. A Trojan Horse is a file that appears harmless.

Worms: A lot like a computer virus in the way they replicate themselves and send copies of itself through a network that goes on with little intervention from the user.

Trojans: Files that get emailed and have virus hidden in the code. These are a lot harder to detect.

Hacking: Gaining unauthorised access to a computer system

Data Protection Act 1998

Primary purpose is to protect individuals against possible misuse of personal data information about them, held by others.

Data has to be:

• Fairly and lawfully processed
• Processed for limited purposes
• Adequate, relevant and not excessive
• Accurate and up to date
• Not kept for longer than necessary
• Processed in line with the rights of individuals
• Secure
• Not transferred to other countries without adequate protection

The Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act 1988

Problems in dealing with copyright:

• Software is easy to copy
• Easy to transfer to another country

Problems with illegally copied software:

• May contain viruses
• No technical support available
• May not be complete 

Criminal offence to:

• Copy or distribute software
• Run more versions of software than the license allows
• Adapt software for re-selling
• Transmit software