What is the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)?
The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) is a U.S. law enacted in 1986 that prohibits unauthorized access of a computer (aka computer trespassing). CFAA applies to cell phones as well as computers.
It essentially prohibits such things as malicious software (viruses, worms, malware and ransomware), fraud with a computer, unauthorized taking of information (data) from computers, trafficking in stolen passwords, and threats to damage a computer, steal data, publicly disclose stolen data, not repair damage to a computer.
The CFAA enables both criminal sanctions and a private right of action.