Section 3ZA is an amendment added to the Computer Misuse Act by the Serious Crime Act 2015. This amendment stated that it was a criminal offence to commit unauthorised acts causing, or creating risk of, serious damage.

An individual is guilty of an offence if:

· The person does any unauthorised act in relation to a computer

· Conducts this act knowing that it is an unauthorised action

· The act causes, or creates a significant risk of serious damage of a material kind and that the individual either intends to cause damage or is reckless when regarding the outcome of their actions

Damages of a material kind are defined as:

· Damage to human welfare (risk of human safety, disrupts transport, supplies, or health services)

· Damage to environment

· Damage to the economy of any country

· Damage to national security of any country

Should an individual be found guilty of a breach of CMA Section 3ZA, they may be liable to:

· On conviction on indictment, up to 14 years in prison or a fine

However, should this breach of CMA Section 3ZA put human safety at risk or cause damage to national security the following would apply:

· On conviction on indictment, up to life in prison or a fine

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