What does the Computer Misuse Act aim to protect against?

The Computer Misuse Act is designed to address activities that involve the misuse of computer systems and data, primarily focusing on the protection against unauthorized access and modification of computer material. This includes actions such as hacking into computer systems, spreading malware, or altering data without permission.

The emphasis on misuse or modification directly aligns with the core provisions of the Act, which aims to safeguard computer systems from unauthorized intrusions and ensures that users' data integrity is maintained. This legislative framework acknowledges the growing reliance on technology and the need for legal protection against the evolving risks associated with computer misuse.

In contrast, unauthorized access to physical documents, financial fraud in physical banking, and civil liabilities in online contracts address entirely different domains of law and protection. These options do not align with the primary intent of the Computer Misuse Act, which focuses specifically on computer-related offenses.