The Computer Misuse Act was introduced in 1990 to address problems caused by hacking that were previously unregulated. There are three main offenses under the Act: 1) Unauthorized access to computer material, which includes accessing someone else's account without permission and carries up to 6 months in prison; 2) Unauthorized access with intent to commit a further crime, such as stealing information or money, carrying up to 5 years in prison; and 3) Unauthorized modification of computer material with intent to cause damage, including introducing viruses, also carrying up to 5 years in prison.