Cybercrime solicitors in Yorkshire and London

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Cyber Crime

In today’s digital age, cybercrime is a growing threat that affects individuals and businesses alike. From unauthorized access to computer systems to illegal file sharing and hacking, cybercrime takes many forms and can have serious consequences. Understanding the laws and regulations around cybercrime and taking steps to protect yourself and your organization is essential. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of cybercrime and explore what you need to know to stay safe and secure online.

Have you been accused of cybercrime? It’s easy to get caught out, And more and more people are. Have you been accused of the following?

Unauthorised access to a computer or electronic device
Illegal file sharing
Hacking into someone’s email or social media account(s)
Streaming, downloading, or uploading copyrighted material or selling devices that allow others to access streamed or downloadable copyright material

What are the most commonly occurring instances of cybercrime? Especially where people aren’t sure whether they’re on the right side of the law.

Understanding The Law

New cybercrime laws are being proposed, and knowing what cybercrime is, is essential. Europol has also released a report on the Cyber Thin Blue Line which gives you more detail on the proposed policing of cybercrime.

Cyber Crime Email

Is it OK to read someone else’s emails without their permission?

No.

Cybercrime is an offence under section 1 of the Computer Misuse Act. Whether you guess that person’s password or see it written down on paper and then use it. If you do not have that person’s permission to access their email account, this is an offence called “unauthorised access”. If you read any unopened email in that person’s account, you will have made an “unauthorised modification” to the database that holds that person’s email. This an offence under Section 2.

Cyber Crime Social Media

Is it OK to log into someone’s social media accounts without permission?

No.

As mentioned above, this offence is under section 1 of the Computer Misuse Act. Suppose you change anything on that person’s social media profile without permission. This is an offence under Section 2 of the Computer Misuse Act.

Cyber Crime Websites

Is it OK to try to access a hidden part of a website that requires a username and password?

No.

Again, this offence is under section 1 of the Computer Misuse Act. Even if your attempt to access the website was unsuccessful.

Cyber Crime Streaming Media

Is it OK to try to sell or use set-top boxes which allow someone to see sports and movies without paying a subscription to the rights holders here in the UK?

No.

In the past few years, boxes which allow you to view Sky Sports and Sky Movies channels without even having a Sky box have mushroomed in popularity. This has been noticed by the trade bodies that represent broadcasters like Sky, movie studios, and sports leagues. Under the new Digital Economy bill, sellers of UK boxes could face long sentences – up to 10 years. Users of the boxes, too, could have legal action brought against them.

I’m a lifelong fan of a band and together with other fans, we share files of rare unreleased studio and concert recordings of the band. I have bought everything they’ve ever put out. Is that OK?

No.

Although the band and its record company will be grateful to you and the other people on your sharing platform that you have bought everything your favourite band has ever released. However, they will not be happy with sharing their rare recordings. Anything your favourite band produces, whether it’s released or not, is owned by them and their record company. The minute that it has been produced. The recording is also protected by copyright.