The notion of hacking in computer crime : a comparative analysis of computer crime legislation

Abstract

In Computer Crime terminology, the term "hacking" is associated with the act of gaining unauthorised access to a computer system and then viewing, using, modifying, deleting or otherwise damaging the information on that system. The purpose of this thesis is to : 1. Examine the concept and methodology of internet hacking as the source of a legal problem that prompted new legislation in its regard. 2. Analyse the notion of unauthorised access into computer systems using the internet and examine the different legal challenges that emerge in the light of computer misuse legislation in various legal systems. 3. Examine the legal response to Computer Hacking in various legal systems and see how this evolved with the development of technology. 4. Analyse the Maltese Computer Misuse legislation and see how this compares with foreign legislation