Unauthorized access to computer systems.

Existing law establishes various crimes related to computer services and systems. Existing law makes it a crime to knowingly, and without permission, access, cause to be accessed, or provide or assist in providing a means of accessing, a computer, computer system, computer network, or computer data in violation of prescribed provisions, and defines related terms. Existing law makes it a crime for a person, with the intent that the crime be committed, to solicit another to commit or join in the commission of prescribed crimes. This bill would expand these provisions to make it a crime for a person, with the intent that the crime be committed, to solicit another to commit or join in the commission of the access crimes related to computer services and systems. The bill would make it a crime to offer to obtain or procure assistance for another to obtain unauthorized access, or to assist others in locating hacking services, as defined. The bill would make a violation of this provision punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for a term not to exceed 6 months, or imprisonment for a term not to exceed one year for subsequent violations. By expanding the scope of existing crimes, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.