Which action would violate the CFAA?

Which action would violate the CFAA?

• A. Accessing a government computer without permission
• B. Reading a newspaper
• C. Accessing a computer with permission
• D. Using a password from a colleague with permission

Answer: (A)

The action being tested is the prohibition on unauthorized access to computer systems under the CFAA. The act criminalizes accessing a computer without authorization or beyond the limits of what you’re allowed to use. Gaining access to a government computer without any permission is a clear example of unauthorized access to a protected system, which is a violation. Reading a newspaper doesn’t involve interacting with a computer system in a way the CFAA covers. Accessing a computer with permission is simply authorized use, which is not a violation. Using a password from a colleague with permission is also allowed as long as you’re operating within the granted authorization; sharing credentials would only be a concern if it exceeded what you’re permitted to access, but with explicit permission it remains authorized.

The action being tested is the prohibition on unauthorized access to computer systems under the CFAA. The act criminalizes accessing a computer without authorization or beyond the limits of what you’re allowed to use. Gaining access to a government computer without any permission is a clear example of unauthorized access to a protected system, which is a violation.

Reading a newspaper doesn’t involve interacting with a computer system in a way the CFAA covers. Accessing a computer with permission is simply authorized use, which is not a violation. Using a password from a colleague with permission is also allowed as long as you’re operating within the granted authorization; sharing credentials would only be a concern if it exceeded what you’re permitted to access, but with explicit permission it remains authorized.