Which action is defined under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act?

The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) specifically addresses unauthorized access to computers and systems. Under the Act, accessing a computer without permission is considered a criminal offense, as it violates the security measures in place designed to protect digital property and privacy. This includes not only accessing systems that you do not have explicit authorization to enter but also any actions taken that exceed authorized access, such as retrieving information that you are not permitted to access.

Understanding the definition outlined in the CFAA is essential for those in the field of network defense, as it illustrates the legal boundaries regarding computer security and user permissions. The other choices, while related to cybersecurity practices and ethical behavior, do not specifically fall under the CFAA's framework of unauthorized access and breach of computer systems. For instance, sharing personal passwords may violate a policy or best practice but is not directly addressed by the CFAA itself.