Section 3 of the Computer Misuse Act States that it is a criminal offence to commit an unauthorised act with the intent to, or through reckless actions, impair the operation of a computer.

An individual is guilty of an offence under Section 3 if they knowingly conduct an unauthorised act in relation to a computer and intends to:

· Impair the operation of a computer

· Prevent or hinder access to any program or data held on a computer

· Impair the operation of a program or the reliability of data

· Enable any of the above to be done

Section 3 also applies to anyone who conducts an unauthorised act that accidently causes any of the above to occur.

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

· On summary conviction (a minor offence) up 12 months in prison or a fine

· On conviction on indictment (a serious offence) up to 10 years in prison or a fine

‍