Question

Bob is a very industrious employee and always looking out for the interests of his employer. While he is at a customer’s office discussing a sale, the Purchasing Agent for the Customer leaves the room but his computer is on. The computer clearly shows that the Customer is communicating on a bid with another supplier. Bob moseys over to the computer and sees that the customer is the US government. Bob accesses the information on the bid to the government, prints out all the relevant classified information and takes it with him as he leaves.

What are the legal consequences of Bob’s action and why?

Answer 1

Bob is guilty of unauthorised access to the computer with a malicious intent of stealing data and gaining vital information regarding secret deals of the genuine user of computer, which makes him liable under subdivision of computer fraud under criminal offences code of state. [ For example, he is guilty under section 17.50 - a(1) od subdivision 30 of Illinois state under criminal offences code 2012, if the offence is committed in the said state]

He can be charged with class IV felony for the offence.