week 6

Individual Report Task: Listing a Range of Laws That Apply to Cyber Crime

Task Overview

In this task, you will research and write a short report on the key laws that apply to cyber crime in the UK. These laws are designed to protect individuals, organisations, and governments from cyber threats such as hacking, data breaches, and online abuse.

Your report should be 200–300 words and cover a range of UK laws that regulate cyber crime.

Title Page

Include your name, date, and a title (e.g., Listing a Range of Laws That Apply to Cyber Crime).

1. Outline of Cyber Crime Laws

List and briefly describe some of the key UK laws that apply to cyber crime.

Suggested areas to cover:

 • Malicious Communications Act 1988

 • Human Rights Act 1998

 • Computer Misuse Act 1990

 • Freedom of Information Act 2000

 • Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003

 • Terrorism Act 2006

 • Data Protection Act 2018

 • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018

 • Investigatory Powers Act 2016

2. Explanation of Each Law and Its Role in Cyber Crime Prevention

For each law, provide a brief explanation of how it relates to cyber crime.

For example:

 • Malicious Communications Act 1988

 • Criminalises sending messages that are threatening, offensive, or intended to cause distress, including cyberbullying and harassment.

 • Human Rights Act 1998

 • Protects privacy rights but also allows restrictions on online activities that may threaten public safety.

 • Computer Misuse Act 1990

 • Makes it illegal to hack into computers, spread malware, or access data without permission.

 • Covers offences such as unauthorised access, data modification, and denial-of-service attacks.

 • Freedom of Information Act 2000

 • Allows the public to access certain government and organisational data but also includes measures to protect sensitive information.

 • Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003

 • Regulates marketing emails, cookies, and digital privacy, ensuring individuals can control how their personal data is used.

 • Terrorism Act 2006

 • Criminalises the use of the internet to promote terrorism, including the distribution of extremist content and hacking into critical infrastructure.

 • Data Protection Act 2018 & General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018

 • Protects individuals’ personal data and privacy rights.

 • Requires businesses to handle and store data securely and legally, with penalties for breaches.

 • Investigatory Powers Act 2016

 • Gives UK intelligence agencies the ability to monitor digital communications for national security but requires legal oversight.

3. Importance of Cyber Crime Laws and Their Enforcement

Discuss why these laws are necessary for protecting individuals and organisations from cyber crime.

 • Why are these laws important for online safety?

 • How do they help prevent hacking, fraud, and privacy violations?

 • What happens when these laws are not followed?

Example:

“The Computer Misuse Act 1990 helps deter cyber criminals by making hacking and unauthorised data access illegal. Without such laws, businesses and individuals would have little legal protection against cyber attacks.”

4. Additional Resources and Further Reading

Provide useful links for learning more about UK cyber crime laws.

Example:

 • UK Government Cyber Crime Laws Overview – https://www.legislation.gov.uk/

 • NCSC Guidance on Cyber Crime – https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/

Submission and Marking Criteria

Your report should be 200–300 words and must be clearly structured, well-researched, and easy to understand.

✔️ Accuracy of Research – Are the laws correctly listed and described?

✔️ Technical Understanding – Are their purposes and impacts clearly explained?

✔️ Presentation and Clarity – Is the report well-organised and readable?

Final Note

This task will help you understand the legal framework surrounding cyber crime and how different laws help protect individuals, businesses, and governments. Take your time to research and provide clear explanations.

Last Updated
2025-05-12 10:30:10