CFAA
Government & Politics abbreviation · US Law
| Stands for | Computer Fraud and Abuse Act |
|---|---|
| Categories | Government & Politics |
CFAA stands for Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, a US law abbreviation.
Main federal anti-hacking statute, enacted in 1986, which makes it a crime to access a computer "without authorization" or to exceed authorized access, and allows civil lawsuits by victims of computer intrusions.
Example: The former employee was charged under the CFAA for downloading the company's customer database.
Usage notes
In Van Buren v. United States (2021), the Supreme Court narrowed the law, holding that misusing data one is allowed to access does not "exceed authorized access". The 2013 death of activist Aaron Swartz, who faced CFAA charges, prompted calls for reform. Security researchers have long argued its vague terms chill legitimate testing.
Related abbreviations
More US law abbreviations
- C.F.R. – Code of Federal Regulations
- CAA – Clean Air Act
- CAN-SPAM – Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography And Marketing Act
- CARES Act – Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
- CDA – Communications Decency Act
- CERCLA – Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
- CHIPS Act – CHIPS and Science Act
- COBRA – Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
- COPPA – Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
- CRA – Civil Rights Act of 1964
- CSA – Controlled Substances Act
- CTA – Corporate Transparency Act