Property Damage and Invasion with Computers
Mark is a self-appointed computer science expert. He decides one day to challenge himself and see if he can hack into the U.S. Department of Defense website “just for kicks.” Mark has no intention of stealing information or damaging the system. He just wants to prove to himself that he has the skill and ability to crack into such a secure computer system. Mark is finally successful and does nothing with the information except to brag to his friends of Facebook.
Has Mark committed a crime? If so, which one?
- Review, discuss, and provide examples of the following in your essay: Cybercrime, Property Invasion with Computers, and Property Damage with Computers.
- Discuss Actus Reus ad Mens Rea in regard to Mark.
- Search Texas Penal Code: Title 7. Offenses Against Property. Chapter 33 Computer Crimes. Review sections 33.01 and 33.02, 33.022 and 33.023. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.33.htm
- After reviewing your text and the Texas Penal Code, which crime did Mark commit? Which section of Chapter 33 would his crime be found? Would he be charged with a felony or misdemeanor?
- Search a similar case to Mark and discuss the case and outcome in your essay.
- What harm has Mark done in reference to what personal victory he has accomplished?
- Since Mark has proven the U.S. Department of Defense website can be hacked, what are some measures the company must now take to protect the company and prevent his from happening again?
Sample Solution