In other words, computer owners can use software that restricts other people from using the computer. In order for someone to use that computer, they must have a password before they are allowed to access information on the computer. If I am a computer user that wants access to that computer, I need a password. But let us say that I am not given a password, or I am not affiliated with the university or corporation that owns the computer, and therefore would never be given a password since there would be no reason for me to access that computer. If I am persistent enough, I could possibly guess the password of someone that does have access.
Some people use their last name as their password.
Others use their spouse s name, or their birth date, or their dog s name. Once inside a computer system, and depending on my technical skill, I have the ability to do a variety of things change information on the system, create a super-account for myself, etc. Now we turn to the individual elements of the possible crime of breaking and entering a computer. Elements of Accessing a Remote Computer System 1. The United States Congress has not criminalized mere unauthorized access of a computer.