Computer fraud

Computer fraud is the use of computers, the Internet, Internet devices, and Internet services to defraud people or organizations of resources.^[1] In the United States, computer fraud is specifically proscribed by the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), which criminalizes computer-related acts under federal jurisdiction and directly combats the insufficiencies of existing laws. ^[2] Types of computer fraud include:

• Distributing hoax emails
• Accessing unauthorized computers
• Engaging in data mining via spyware and malware
• Hacking into computer systems to illegally access personal information, such as credit cards or Social Security numbers
• Sending computer viruses or worms with the intent to destroy or ruin another party's computer or system.^[3]

Phishing, social engineering, viruses, and DDoS attacks are fairly well-known tactics used to disrupt service or gain access to another's network, but this list is not inclusive.