What are laws against hacking in the UK?

Answer 1

The answer is "the missuse act".

This answer is a bit vague

The Computer Misuse Act 1990 Section 1 States "Unauthorised access to computer material".

The person is guilty of an offence if they gain access to a computer without written permission from the computer or network owner. This can be either at the physical machine or over the network / internet.

It is also an offence to create or obtain programs which 'script kiddies' may use to access the targeted machine or network.

It is illegal to access any network without permission, even if the intent isn't malicious.

Also in the Communications Act 2003, section 125 states 'Dishonestly obtaining electronic communication services'. This could be interpreted as accessing wireless networks which you do not own, even if they are un protected.

Submitted by: A student studying Computer Network Technology at UCLAN

Disclaimer: The above is my interpretation of the two acts. I do not obtain any qualifications in law. The law may be interpreted in different ways. I cannot be held responsible for any actions which has derived from the above statements.

References:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/18/contents

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/21/section/125

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Script_kiddie